NY A00296

Prohibits electric corporations and municipalities from cutting trees within utility rights of way without advance written notice to the municipality, property owner, and adjacent property owners, delivered 15-30 days before cutting occurs.

Requires an arborist designated by the Department of Agriculture and Markets to certify that trees are dead, diseased, broken, or pose a danger to electrical lines before pruning or removal is permitted.

Limits topping operations to removing no more than 25 percent of foliage in an annual growing season and requires adherence to American National Standards Institute A-300 pruning standards.

Mandates replacement tree planting for each tree removed upon request by the property owner or municipality; replacement trees must be native to the region and planted in close proximity to removed trees.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms including stop-work orders, injunctive relief, civil penalties of at least $500 per damaged tree, and allows property owners to sue for damages resulting from violations.