Connecticut House Bill HB05551

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/12
• Refer: 3/21/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Protection Of Power And Telephone Lines.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the legal landscape concerning the rights of utility companies over the management of vegetation near their infrastructures. By enabling these companies to proceed with the removal of trees or shrubs without the need for consent from the property owner, the bill promotes swift action to mitigate risks and maintain reliable service delivery. However, it also raises concerns among property rights advocates who fear that this could lead to misuse of eminent domain powers and unjust invasions of private property.

Summary

House Bill 05551, titled 'An Act Concerning The Protection Of Power And Telephone Lines', seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the management of trees and shrubs in relation to power and telephone lines. The primary focus of the bill is to allow companies that provide electric or telephone services to acquire trees or shrubs adjacent to their right-of-way through eminent domain if these plants pose a risk of service interruption due to their condition or are likely to cause hazards during severe weather events. This allows utilities to proactively address potential service disruptions caused by natural obstructions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05551 include the debate over the balance between public safety and property rights. Opponents argue that allowing utility companies to bypass owner consent undermines local governance and the rights of landowners, leading to potential conflicts regarding personal property. On the other hand, proponents emphasize the importance of ensuring that utility services remain uninterrupted, especially in light of increasing frequency of severe weather events, thus framing the legislation as necessary for public safety.