The bill amends the General Laws concerning the care and control of trees and shrubs on public property and the rights of electric distribution companies for vegetation management. It grants tree wardens or their agents the authority to enter private property for the care of public trees and shrubs, except those under certain departments' jurisdiction. Electric distribution companies are given the right to carry out vegetation management as approved by the division of public utilities and carriers. The bill prohibits injuring or removing trees and shrubs without proper consent and requires replacement of any removed trees along state or municipal highways. It also establishes liability for unauthorized cutting of trees, with the trespasser required to pay twice the value of any tree cut without the owner's permission.

The bill introduces a new chapter titled "VEGETATION MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SYSTEM RELIABILITY" to Title 39 of the General Laws, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vegetation management to reduce power outages and enhance public safety. Electric distribution companies with over 100,000 customers must file vegetation management standards with the Rhode Island division of public utilities and carriers, including a notification process and educational outreach. The bill outlines a collaborative process between electric distribution companies and local tree wardens, with a requirement for public comment and division approval of the proposed standards. Companies are authorized to implement approved standards without most state and local permits and can recover costs through rate recovery mechanisms. Customers have the right to contact companies regarding vegetation management activities and escalate complaints if necessary. The bill ensures that existing rights of electric distribution companies are not limited and includes clauses for liberal construction and severability. The changes are effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7086  SUB A as amended: 2-14-5, 11-35-1, 34-20-1
7086  SUB A: 2-14-5, 11-35-1, 34-20-1
7086: 2-14-5, 11-35-1, 34-20-1