Public utilities: eminent domain: just compensation.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill changes how California courts treat public‑utility property taken by eminent domain, requiring faster compensation calculations and limiting utilities’ ability to recover legal fees from customers. It also narrows the Public Utilities Commission’s review of utility asset transfers to employee‑fairness issues and sets clear filing deadlines for both public entities and utility owners. The changes aim to make municipal acquisition of utility assets more predictable and protect ratepayers from costly litigation.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E., U & C. (Ayes 7. Noes 1. Page 3867.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on E., U & C. · Apr 15, 2026

Hearings

• Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Hearing
  Energy, Utilities and Communications · Apr 21, 2026
• Energy, Utilities and Communications
  Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee · Apr 21, 2026
• Judiciary Committee Hearing
  Judiciary · Apr 14, 2026
• Judiciary
  Senate Judiciary Committee · Apr 14, 2026

History

1. Apr 21, 2026April 21 set for first hearing. Failed passage in committee. (Ayes 4. Noes 1. Page 3973.)
2. Apr 16, 2026Set for hearing April 21.
3. Apr 15, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E., U & C. (Ayes 7. Noes 1. Page 3867.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.
4. Apr 6, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
5. Mar 18, 2026Set for hearing April 14.
6. Mar 4, 2026Re-referred to Coms. on JUD. and E., U & C.
7. Feb 24, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
8. Feb 11, 2026Referred to Com. on RLS.
9. Jan 7, 2026From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 6.
10. Jan 6, 2026Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Sponsors

• Wiener · sponsor
• Haney
• Stefani

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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