HB 5312 Summary

• Defines "utility protection zone" as an eight-foot horizontal area extending from outermost electrical conductors or wires and vertically from ground to sky, with utilities allowed to perform vegetation management to ensure service reliability.

• Requires utilities to provide written notice at least 15 business days before pruning or removing trees within utility protection zones or on public roads, giving property owners the option to consent, object, or request modifications.

• Property owners can file written objections within 10 business days, request consultation with a tree warden or arborist, and be present during approved work; objections are resolved by the tree warden or Commissioner of Transportation with possible appeal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

• Exempts utilities from notice requirements when trees have direct contact with energized electrical conductors or visible signs of burning, or when tree wardens authorize removal of hazardous trees with at least three days' notice to property owners.

• Requires utilities to provide annual vegetation management plans to municipal tree wardens by January 31 and make them publicly available within 14 days; establishes electronic mail account requirement for utilities to receive objections and complaints.