Bill > HB1078

This bill aims to provide guidance to local governments in creating voluntary "tree bank" programs as an additional tool for promoting urban and community forestry while also allowing for the development of needed housing. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to establish optional model urban forestry ordinances and recommendations, including criteria for tree bank programs, and to provide technical assistance and planning support to local jurisdictions that adopt these model ordinances. The bill also establishes a grant program to provide funding to cities and counties that adopt the model ordinances or similar ordinances. The bill's goal is to ensure that actions taken by local governments to promote urban and community forestry do not adversely impact the ability to provide housing needed to accommodate population growth.