IN SB0332

Requires electric utilities to follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for tree care operations and employ licensed contractors or certified arborists when performing vegetation management.

Mandates utilities provide direct written notice to affected property owners, municipal/county executives, and publish notices in newspapers 21-90 days before performing vegetation management, unless a written agreement with the county or municipality establishes alternative notice requirements.

Allows utilities to only enter property where they possess an easement or have public right-of-way access; exempts notice requirements for emergency situations such as fallen trees, power outages, or fire hazards.

Establishes complaint procedures allowing affected property owners and utilities to file disputes with the Indiana utility regulatory commission, with the utility consumer counselor available to represent property owners; commission may award damages for bad faith or non-compliance.

Requires the utility regulatory commission to include the number and status of vegetation management complaints in its annual report to the regulatory flexibility committee.