AK HB227

Creates a new section AS 09.65.086 establishing liability protections for electric utilities offering service under certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

Prohibits utilities from being held liable for costs, property damage, death, or personal injury resulting from contact between vegetation and utility facilities if the vegetation is located or originated outside the utility's real property, lease, permit, easement, or right-of-way.

Shields utilities from liability for cutting, girdling, or otherwise injuring or removing vegetation inside utility boundaries, even if the vegetation is rooted outside those boundaries.

Preserves civil liability if a utility directly causes vegetation to contact its own facilities.

Applies the liability protections to civil lawsuits filed on or after the effective date of the act, and extends the definition of "utility" to include contractors and persons acting under utility authority.