Bill > H1840

This bill updates the public shade tree law by clarifying the powers and responsibilities of tree wardens, who are officials responsible for the care and control of public trees in towns and cities. It allows tree wardens to appoint deputy tree wardens and sets their compensation, and grants them authority over public shade trees, shrubs, and growths, except in parks unless otherwise designated. The bill also empowers tree wardens to propose regulations for tree care, which, if approved by local governing bodies, will have the force of local laws and can include fines for violations. It specifies that only tree wardens and their deputies can trim, cut, or remove certain trees and bushes in public ways without a hearing, and outlines conditions under which they must act upon orders from local officials based on assessments of hazardous trees. The bill also establishes penalties for unauthorized damage to public trees and requires tree wardens in larger towns and cities (over 10,000 residents) to be qualified by training and experience in arboriculture and licensed by the state, with specific definitions for what constitutes a qualified tree warden. Finally, it mandates the Department of Conservation and Recreation to create rules and regulations for this chapter.