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Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said today he is uncomfortable with a proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown to limit payouts in wildfire liability cases, arguing it would involve the Legislature meddling in ongoing litigation.

The proposal, which is included in Brown's budget plan, could save timber companies millions of dollars in liability cases. It is opposed by the U.S. attorney's office, which said the measure could affect pending wildfire negligence cases against Sierra Pacific Industries and other defendants in a case involving a 2007 fire in Lassen and Plumas counties.

That case is scheduled for trial this summer, immediately after Brown is expected to sign the state budget.

Steinberg, a Sacramento Democrat, told reporters today that "it's not our job to decide" a case currently in the courts.

"This is one where, at a minimum, I think we need to take some time," he said.

Steinberg said the proposal could be revised to include language exempting pending litigation from any changes to the law.

But he said, "I don't know what that would do to the deal."

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