Urging Department of Administration to maintain trees on grounds to prevent damage to persons or property

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stan Adkins and 61 co-sponsors

Urges immediate assessment and removal or trimming of hazardous Capitol Complex trees along California Ave and Kanawha Blvd to protect public safety and property.

To House Rules

#resolutions

Summary of Bill HR 19 (2026, West Virginia)

Purpose and Intent

HR 19 is a House Resolution requesting action from state authorities to address hazardous trees on grounds of the State Capitol Complex, specifically along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard.

The resolution aims to protect public safety and state property by prompting an immediate assessment and subsequent tree-trimming, removal, or replacement as needed.

Key Provisions and Changes

Immediate Assessment: The resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission, the Secretary of the Department of Administration, and the Director of the Real Estate Division to conduct an urgent evaluation of trees along the specified areas of the Capitol Complex.

Mitigation Measures: Based on the assessment, the resolution calls for:

Trimming trees back to the grass side of the sidewalk where feasible.
Removal of hazardous trees where trimming is insufficient to mitigate risk.
Replacement of removed trees with appropriate, safer species.

Accountability and Communication: The Clerk of the House of Delegates is instructed to distribute copies of the resolution to the Capitol Building Commission, the Secretary of Administration (Eric Householder), and the Director of the Real Estate Division (Arlie Hubbard).

Who and What Would Be Affected

Affected Entities:

Capitol Building Commission
Secretary of the Department of Administration
Director of the Real Estate Division

Physical Impact: Trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds; potential trimming, removal, and replacement activities.

Public Safety and Property: Aims to reduce risk of injury to pedestrians, employees, and visitors, and protect state-owned property and infrastructure from tree-related damage.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Status: Introduced February 26, 2026; referred to the House Rules Committee.

Action Path: As a resolution, it is a formal request to state agencies rather than a law, typically guiding agency study and administrative actions without creating enforceable statutory duties.

No Budgetary or Funding Details: The text does not specify funding or implementation timelines; it authorizes immediate assessment and subsequent mitigation steps subject to agency processes.

Potential Impact

Short-Term: Triggers an official assessment and prioritization of hazardous trees; may lead to rapid pruning or removal where danger is evident.

Long-Term: Could influence ongoing maintenance practices for the Capitol Complex, encouraging proactive tree management and replacement with safer species.

Public Perception: Demonstrates legislative concern for public safety and infrastructure maintenance around a prominent state landmark.

Note: As a resolution, HR 19 serves to urge action rather than enact binding new laws or authorize funding directly. Implementation would depend on the agencies’ follow-through and any subsequent budgets or procurement decisions.