Lawmakers look at reducing utilities' liability for wildfires

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- It may soon be more difficult for fire victims in California to sue utilities for damages caused by wildfires.

State lawmakers have set up a committee to study wildfire accountability.

The debate is coming in the wake of the worst wildfire season in state history.

Last fall, more than a dozen wildfires swept through wine country, killing 44 people and destroying nearly 9,000 structures.

An investigation blamed the Pacific Gas & Electric Co., which could now be on the hook for billions of dollars.

But PG&E says climate change must also be considered when assessing blame.

Potential changes to state law would only apply to future fires.