California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pressing lawmakers to reach a deal that would further shield utilities from financial distress after wildfires caused by their equipment, as his final legislative session approaches its Aug. 31 deadline. The issue has framed both ends of Newsom’s nearly eight years as governor: a 2018 Northern California wildfire killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 buildings after investigators traced it to Pacific Gas & Electric equipment, pushing the utility into bankruptcy under tens of billions of dollars in liability. Newsom later signed legislation creating a $21 billion wildfire fund financed by utility shareholders and ratepayers, and the Legislature approved an additional $18 billion proposed by Newsom last year. His latest plan comes as Southern California Edison faces claims tied to a 2025 fire outside Los Angeles that killed 19 people and was ruled this month to have been sparked by one of its transmission towers. The proposal could limit payments to victims and attorneys, shift more property-damage costs to insurers, require utilities to pay survivors sooner, and impose penalties on utility executives and shareholders. Newsom says reform is needed to stabilize electricity rates, which are among the highest in the nation, and because he expects the wildfire fund to run out soon. Fire survivors and insurers oppose the proposal, while PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric are urging lawmakers to pass it. The California Professional Firefighters has expressed support, saying the stability of utilities, insurance plans and recovery funds must be balanced with victims’ ability to recover and rebuild. The outcome could influence Newsom’s legacy as he considers a 2028 presidential run.