CA AB853

Repeals Section 4295 of the Public Resources Code, which previously exempted persons from maintaining electrical line clearances if they lacked legal right to do so.

Requires utility companies to provide landowners written notice at least 21 days before commencing tree removal or trimming work on their property, including a list of trees to be affected and information about landowner options and objection rights.

Allows landowners to object within 5 days and submit their own timber harvest plan prepared by a licensed professional forester within 30 days, during which utility work is prohibited.

Provides landowners three options for timber or solid wood forest product disposition: leave materials on property, require utility to remove and sell products, or require utility to remove, sell, and donate proceeds to a local land trust.

Establishes civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance with notice and disposition requirements, enforceable by city attorneys or county counsel, with a 3-year statute of limitations.

Expands definition of "commercial purposes" in timber operations law to include tree cutting or removal by utility companies maintaining electrical transmission or distribution lines.