CT SB00414

Department of Transportation must develop and revise guidelines governing tree and vegetation management, removal, and replacement along state highways, balancing environmental and noise pollution impacts with mitigation measures

Guidelines must address traveler safety, roadside vegetation activities (mowing, herbicide application, replanting with native species), scenic road beautification, visibility enhancement, and environmental concerns including invasive species prevention, stormwater runoff, erosion, and pollinator habitat improvement

Commissioner of Transportation must consider UConn's carbon sequestration study results by February 1, 2027, and determine whether guideline revisions are needed, with required reporting to legislative committees on transportation and environment

UConn's Department of Natural Resources and Environment receives a DOT grant to study carbon sequestration by roadside trees and vegetation, with the final report deadline extended from July 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026

Guidelines do not apply to emergency tree removal for public safety or weather-related civil preparedness emergencies; effective dates are October 1, 2026 for Section 1 and July 1, 2026 for Section 2