This bill amends the "Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act" to enhance enforcement and penalty provisions. It empowers the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts and the Department of Environmental Protection to take various actions in response to violations of the Act, including issuing compliance orders, initiating civil actions, levying civil administrative penalties, and pursuing civil penalties. The bill specifies that recourse to one remedy does not preclude the use of other available remedies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to enforcement.

Additionally, the bill establishes a structured process for addressing violations, including the issuance of orders that detail the nature of the violation and the required compliance actions. It sets civil administrative penalties at $1,000 for first violations and $2,500 for subsequent violations, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense. The bill also mandates notification procedures for alleged violators and outlines their rights to a hearing. Furthermore, it repeals a previous section of the Act related to the levying of fines, streamlining the enforcement process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:15C-29, 45:15C-28