CT HB06538

Establishes registration requirement for arborist businesses with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, with certificates expiring August 31 annually and a registration fee of $240 per location and business name.

Requires each arborist business to employ at least one licensed arborist at each place of business and maintain records for five years documenting pesticide applications, arborists employed, and non-pesticide arboriculture work.

Increases arborist license examination fee from $50 to $200 and renewal fee from $190 to $285, with licenses valid for five years; exempts certified supervisory pesticide applicators who are also licensed arborists from paying the arborist license fee.

Mandates tree wardens complete approved coursework within one year of appointment covering tree biology, maintenance, pruning, urban forest management, and tree laws; extends tree warden terms from one year to two years.

Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 per day for violations and provides grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of arborist business registration including false statements, unsafe equipment, negligent work, and felony convictions.