HB 5357
Tree removal at state expense
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires the state of West Virginia to remove trees located on state-owned or leased property or rights-of-way that threaten structures on private property. If the state fails to remove the trees within six months of receiving a written request from the property owner, the property owner can remove the trees themselves, after providing proper notice to the state. Property owners who incur costs due to the state's inaction can then file a claim against the state for reimbursement.
Key provisions
- The state must remove trees threatening private property structures.
- Property owners can remove trees themselves if the state doesn't act within six months.
- Property owners must provide written notice to the state before removing trees.
- Property owners can file a claim against the state for removal costs.
- A shortened claim procedure is established for tree removal claims.
- Claims must meet specific criteria, including no current fiscal year appropriation and a maximum amount of $10,000.
- State agencies must concur in the claim.
- Notice to the state must be sent via certified mail.
Who is affected
- Private property owners
- Lessees of property
- State agencies
- West Virginia State Government
- Residents of West Virginia
Notable changes
- Establishes a process for the state to proactively remove trees posing a threat.
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