HB5233 Summary

• Requires electric public utilities to follow sensible growth vegetation standards developed by the Illinois Commerce Commission when replanting trees removed along State, county, and municipally owned recreational trails.

• Mandates utilities follow ANSI A300 tree care standards and OSHA safety regulations during non-emergency vegetation management activities.

• Requires utilities to provide direct notice to affected customers and property owners 21-90 days before vegetation management activities begin, with notice to mayors/county board chairs and published notices in newspapers.

• Allows utilities to seek municipal cost-sharing agreements if municipal ordinances establish vegetation standards that substantially increase costs compared to state standards, with Illinois Commerce Commission authority to resolve disputes.

• Exempts utilities from notice requirements during emergency service restoration and when existing franchise agreements with municipalities establish different vegetation management practices.