AK HB29

Adds AS 09.65.086 to provide general liability immunity for electric utilities holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity from property damage, death, or personal injury caused by vegetation contacting utility facilities.

Creates exceptions allowing civil liability if vegetation on utility property/easement contacts facilities and the utility lacked or failed to comply with a vegetation management plan.

Creates exceptions allowing civil liability if vegetation outside utility property contacts facilities and the utility caused that vegetation to enter utility boundaries and contact the facilities.

Defines "vegetation management plan" as a document establishing procedures for utilities to manage vegetation to protect reliability and safety of electric facilities.

Applies to civil lawsuits against electric utilities filed on or after the effective date of the Act.