NC Licensure and State Advocacy Committee Update

by Mike Askin, PLA, ASLA

This week the language from the tree ordinance bill – House Bill 496 - has been added to the House budget and is moving forward toward becoming law. The House and Senate still need to agree on a final budget and the Governor would then need to sign it, but we are alarmed by this language becoming part of the budget discussion. Note, the Senate did not include this language in its budget.

If enacted, this language would prevent local governments from adopting or enforcing new tree ordinances and would prevent their ability to regulate maintenance of a tree canopy for their jurisdiction. NCASLA is asking its members and nonmembers to urge their North Carolina House and Senate members to oppose this bill.

To help simplify this process, ASLA national will be sending out an iAdvocate Alert. The iAdvocate response will send a message to your Senator and Representative on the subject. Please look for it and respond accordingly.

ND: 4819-5267-2246, v. 1