The bill amends Section 2-15-11 of the General Laws concerning the protection of trees and plants. It increases the penalties for violations related to the cutting, removal, or damage of trees, plants, and shrubs on public highways or lands from a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500) to one thousand dollars ($1,000). Additionally, it stipulates that any replacement tree must have a total diameter equal to three (3) times that of the tree that was removed, rather than the previous requirement of twice the diameter. The act takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6405: 2-15-11