HB882: HB882 Agriculture, Department of; regulation and licensing of tree care operators; provide

Georgia currently does not license tree care workers the way it licenses landscape architects. This bill adds a new section to the state law on landscape architects (O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 23) that creates licensing for 'tree care operators,' defined as anyone paid to prune, remove, cable, brace, or otherwise work on trees using climbing gear, cranes, aerial lifts, or other mechanized equipment, especially near utility lines or structures. Under the bill, it would be illegal to offer these services without a license from the Department of Agriculture. The department could set education and exam requirements, safety standards, consumer protection rules like required contracts and insurance, and a fee of up to $250 for licenses and renewals. The department could also inspect worksites, investigate complaints, and penalize unlicensed or violating operators. Utility company contractors doing line clearance and unpaid neighbors helping after storms are exempted.

• Makes it illegal to provide paid tree care services in Georgia without a license issued by the Department of Agriculture.
• Directs the department to create licensing rules covering education, training, and exam requirements for tree care operators.
• Authorizes the department to set safety standards, insurance and contract disclosure requirements, and professional conduct rules for the industry.
• Caps license and renewal fees at $250 and lets the department suspend or revoke licenses for violations.
• Gives the department power to inspect worksites, investigate complaints, and issue penalties or fines for noncompliance.
• Exempts utility company contractors doing line clearance and unpaid volunteers helping neighbors or storm victims.

Tree trimming and removal businesses, arborists, and anyone paid to prune, remove, or otherwise work on trees using climbing gear, cranes, or lifts would need a license. The Georgia Department of Agriculture would gain new licensing and enforcement duties, while utility company contractors and unpaid storm-relief volunteers are exempted.

Tree work near power lines and structures can be dangerous, and this bill would require workers who charge for such services to meet state licensing, safety, and insurance standards for the first time, changing how tree care businesses operate and adding costs and oversight to the industry.

• New Code Section 43-23-20(a) defines 'tree care operator' and 'tree care services,' covering pruning, removal, cabling, bracing, and work with rigging, cranes, or aerial lifts.
• Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to provide tree care services without a department-issued license and requires applicants to apply to the department.
• Subsection (c) authorizes the department to set licensing criteria, safety standards, consumer protections like contracts and liability insurance, conduct standards, and renewal or revocation procedures, plus a fee capped at $250.00 per license.
• Subsection (d) gives the department authority to inspect, investigate complaints, and enforce compliance through penalties or fines.
• Subsection (e) states that operating without a valid license or violating the section subjects a person to penalties set by the department.
• Subsection (f) exempts utility company line-clearance contractors and uncompensated individuals helping neighbors or storm victims.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-04-02House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-03-31House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-28House Hopper (House)

• David Huddleston (R, HD-072)Primary sponsor
• Victor Anderson (R, HD-010)
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)
• Marvin Lim (D, HD-098)
• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)

• tree care licensing
• Georgia Department of Agriculture
• occupational licensing
• consumer protection
• arborist regulation