PHOENIX -- A deal has been reached over a measure that initially gave sweeping and arguably unconstitutional liability protections to the state's electric utilities if their equipment sparked a wildfire.
The agreement eliminates major opposition from insurance companies and trial lawyers who had fought the proposal being pushed by Arizona Public Service Co., Tucson Electric Power and other utilities. While giving utilities new protection, it still allows some lawsuits against them if their equipment sparks a major blaze.
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