Senate Bill 183 Summary

• Requires electric utilities to follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards and OSHA worker safety regulations when performing vegetation management (trimming, pruning, or removing trees).

• Mandates utilities provide direct written notice to affected property owners, municipalities, and counties 21-90 days before performing vegetation management, including planned work descriptions and contact information for disputes.

• Exempts utilities from notice requirements in emergencies (fallen trees, power outages, fire hazards) or when written agreements with counties/municipalities establish alternative notice standards.

• Authorizes the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to investigate and resolve disputes between utilities and property owners, with authority to fine parties up to $1,000,000 per incident for bad faith violations and award damages based on fair market value.

• Requires title insurance companies to disclose to residential property purchasers any easements, rights-of-way, or other restrictions on the property's use before closing.