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HCR 69

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Garrett and 7 co-sponsors

HCR 69 forms a working group to set vegetation management rules for property owners, enhancing wildfire safety and establishing tree trimming standards near utility lines.

Report and Resolution Adopted as amended (SD1). Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Transmitted to House.
#vegetationmanagementworkinggroup #wildfires
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Bill Summary · HCR 69

Summary of HCR 69: Request for Vegetation Management Working Group

Purpose and Intent

House Concurrent Resolution 69 (HCR 69) aims to address the growing concern of wildfire risks by establishing a Vegetation Management Working Group. This group will study and evaluate regulations that define property owner obligations regarding vegetation management on both public and private properties. The intent is to mitigate wildfire risks effectively and ensure safety standards for tree trimming near electric utility facilities.

Key Provisions

HCR 69 includes the following significant provisions:

  • Formation of a Working Group: The resolution requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a working group focused on vegetation management.

  • Property Owner Obligations: The working group will make recommendations for regulations that outline the responsibilities of property owners in managing vegetation to reduce wildfire risks.

  • Line Clearance Tree Trimming Standards: The group will also define what constitutes a "line clearance tree trimmer" and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing tree trimming near electric utility facilities.

Affected Parties

The resolution will impact:

  • Property Owners: Individuals and organizations owning land will need to adhere to new regulations regarding vegetation management.

  • Utility Companies: Electric utility providers will be affected by the establishment of safety standards for tree trimming, which may influence their operational practices.

  • Fire Safety Officials: The Office of the State Fire Marshal and related agencies will play a critical role in implementing and overseeing the recommendations made by the working group.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 6, 2025
  • Senate Actions:
    • Amended and adopted by the Senate on April 16, 2025.
    • Returned from the Senate in amended form (SD 1).
  • House Actions:
    • Adopted by the House on April 3, 2025, with one dissenting vote.
    • Reported from the Finance Committee and referred to the Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee.

The resolution has successfully passed through various committees and is currently transmitted to the House for further consideration.

Conclusion

HCR 69 represents a proactive approach to wildfire risk management by establishing clear guidelines for vegetation management and tree trimming near utility lines. The formation of a working group signifies a collaborative effort to enhance public safety and environmental stewardship in the face of increasing wildfire threats.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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