23RS HB 422

House Bill 422

Actions

Last Action	02/21/23: to Committee on Committees (H)
Title	AN ACT relating to vegetation maintenance.
Bill Documents	Introduced
Bill Request Number	1629
Sponsor	K. Timoney
Summary of Original Version	Create new sections of KRS 278.010 to 278.450 to establish definitions; require electric utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission to have a vegetation management plan approved by the commission; require vegetation maintenance to be performed in conformance with ANSI standards endorsed by the International Society of Arboriculture; make exception for standards under declared emergency or in situation of cleanup from storm damage; require different notice requirements to the public and property owners; impose penalty for failure of a utility to comply with vegetation maintenance plan requirements; require public hearings; establish homeowner rights with respect to vegetation maintenance; require the utility develop a brochure for homeowner rights and have the information available on its website; allow for civil action for unauthorized tree pruning or removal; allow for damages for unauthorized tree removal or pruning; require written consent to remove more than 25 percent of tree canopy; allow for a temporary cessation of work if property owner objects to vegetation maintenance; and prescribe time frames for notice and response.
Index Headings of Original Version	Environment and Conservation - Electric utilities, vegetation maintenance practices, standards Forests and Forestry - Electric utilities, vegetation maintenance practices, standards Local Government - Electric utilities, tree wardens, vegetation maintenance practices, property owners, notice Notices - Electric utilities, vegetation maintenance practices, property owners Public Utilities - Electric utilities, vegetation maintenance practices, standards