Connecticut House Bill HB05936

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Damages Incurred By A Property Owner Due To Falling Trees Or Tree Limbs From Neighboring Property That Is Owned By The State.

Impact

The introduction of HB 05936 would amend general statutes to include provisions that allow licensed arborists to submit reimbursement requests directly to the state Department of Transportation (DOT) for removed trees. Additionally, it requires the DOT to update its Vegetation Management Guidelines to reflect this new responsibility the state bears for costs associated with fallen trees. This shift aims to protect private property owners from out-of-pocket expenses related to tree removal that originates from state property, ensuring that they are compensated appropriately for such damages.

Summary

House Bill 05936 addresses the issue of damages incurred by property owners when state-owned trees or tree limbs fall onto private property. The bill aims to create a statutory assumption of liability on the part of the state for damages resulting from such incidents. Specifically, it limits the state's liability to the actual costs associated with the removal of the fallen trees, as conducted by a licensed arborist, thereby alleviating the financial burden on the property owners whose property is affected by the fallen state-owned trees.

Contention

While the bill presents a clear benefit to property owners by assuming state liability for fallen trees, it could also raise concerns related to the costs the state may incur as a result. The implications of these changes on existing claims processes, particularly with regards to how the Office of the Claims Commissioner handles requests from licensed arborists for reimbursement, could lead to discussions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s response to tree damage incidents. Critics may argue that the state should not undertake this liability, while supporters contend it is a necessary measure to protect the interests of affected property owners.