House Bill 490: What You Need To Know
In last month’s issue of Rural Montana, I shared an update on MEC’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan. In that article, I briefly mentioned Montana House Bill 490 (HB 490), which Governor Greg Gianforte signed into law on May 13, 2025. This landmark legislation is a crucial step forward for Montana’s electric utilities as we face longer fire seasons, drier conditions, and an ever-growing risk of wildfire.
Recognizing this increasing threat, and the danger it posed to Montana’s energy providers and their members, three utility leaders, the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association, NorthWestern Energy, and Montana-Dakota Utilities, worked together to draft HB 490. The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support and was officially concurred by the House on April 17, 2025.
HB 490 establishes a structured and collaborative framework for enhancing wildfire resilience across the state. It mandates that electric cooperatives, regulated utilities, and other electric facility providers develop, submit, and implement comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans designed to address identified risks, strengthen system reliability, and outline measurable actions for reducing wildfire threats.
HB 490 Specifics
At its core, HB 490 revises Montana’s civil liability laws related to wildfires and establishes clear requirements for prevention and planning. Under the new law, electric utilities must develop and implement a wildfire mitigation plan by December 31, 2025.
• Electric cooperatives: Plans will undergo public review, including a 45-day comment period. Cooperative boards must finalize decisions within 60 days of that review.
• Investor-owned utilities: Plans must be approved by the Public Service Commission.
Once approved, plans must be updated every three years, with annual progress reports submitted each June. These plans are required to address: Risk assessment and prioritization; Vegetation management and system maintenance; Emergency response strategies; and Collaboration with local communities and fire agencies.
By following an approved plan, utilities gain additional protection from liability, limiting exposure to wildfire-related lawsuits when they’ve acted responsibly. Most importantly, HB 490 officially establishes that strict liability does not apply in Montana, safeguarding utilities and their member-owners from catastrophic financial risk.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
MEC began its wildfire mitigation planning in 2020, years before any mandate existed. Our plan has guided proactive efforts to strengthen our system, reduce fire hazards, and ensure public safety.
We are reviewing and refining our Wildfire Mitigation Plan to ensure full compliance with HB 490 requirements. Fortunately, our existing plan aligns closely with the bill’s standards, but we’re taking this opportunity to make it even stronger.
As part of this process, MEC will host a public meeting this fall to share updates, answer questions, and gather valuable feedback from our members. Your input is essential as we continue to improve our wildfire prevention efforts and meet the standards of both our membership and the state of Montana.
Bottom line: HB 490 isn’t just new legislation. It’s an essential tool that supports responsible wildfire planning, protects Montana’s electric utilities and their members, and ensures that cooperative members can continue to count on safe, reliable, and affordable power for years to come.
Featured image courtesy of the Montana DNRC
