The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws concerning the management of trees and shrubs on public property and the rights of electric distribution companies to manage vegetation for maintaining electric system reliability. It grants tree wardens the authority to care for public trees and shrubs, with the exception of those under certain departmental jurisdictions, and permits them to access private property for this purpose. Electric distribution companies are given the right to conduct vegetation management as approved by the division of public utilities and carriers. The bill also includes provisions for the replacement of removed or damaged trees, and it exempts certain actions from prohibitions and permit requirements if they align with approved vegetation management standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new chapter to Title 39 of the General Laws, emphasizing the need for statewide vegetation management standards due to the increased risk of power outages from tree-related damage, exacerbated by global climate change. It defines key terms related to the bill, mandates electric distribution companies with over 100,000 customers to file their vegetation management standards with the division, and outlines the components that must be included in these standards. The bill establishes a process for public review and comment on these standards, as well as a mechanism for companies to recover costs associated with vegetation management. The bill affirms that it does not restrict the existing rights of electric distribution companies to manage vegetation and will be effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2306: 2-14-5, 11-35-1, 34-20-1