Bill > H7618

This bill, by increasing the maximum penalty for certain violations related to damaging or removing trees, plants, and shrubs on public highways or state-managed lands, aims to strengthen protections for these natural resources. Specifically, the maximum fine for such offenses will be raised from $500 to $1,000, and for violations involving the removal or damage of trees, the responsible party will be required to plant replacement trees whose combined diameter is three times that of the original tree, a significant increase from the previous requirement of twice the diameter. These changes are intended to underscore the importance of trees, which provide numerous environmental benefits such as filtering pollutants, cooling urban areas, storing carbon, and reducing flooding, as outlined in the bill's legislative findings. The act will become effective immediately upon its passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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