District of ColumbiaD.C. tree money may help residents remove dangerous trees based on income
District officials can use available Tree Fund money for public planting and income-based help with dangerous trees, while certain tree charges must rise for inflation starting in 2029.
What it does
Tree Fund money is designated for public planting and income-based help for District residents removing and replacing dangerous trees. The mayor must check trees planted through the fund.
Starting July 1, 2029, the mayor must raise a Special Tree fee and fines tied to Special or Heritage Trees every three years for inflation. The mayor may raise certain charges further.
D.C.'s definition of a Special Tree uses 40 inches as the start of its size range. The full range is needed to tell whether a tree qualifies.
Argument forIf Tree Fund money is available, income-based help could make dangerous tree removal and replacement more affordable for District residents who qualify.
Argument againstPeople who pay the covered tree fee or fines could face higher charges when required inflation increases begin in 2029.
More detail
District officials may spend Tree Fund money on public planting and income-based help for residents removing and replacing dangerous trees. Income-based help is for District residents. Public planting covers public spaces and District-owned land, including parks and schools. The fund may also pay for planting on private land with the District's environment agency, checks on planted trees, and costs of carrying out the tree law. The mayor must check trees planted through the fund at suitable times.
The mayor must adjust a Special Tree fee and covered tree fines for inflation and may raise certain charges further. The required increases cover a Special Tree fee and fines tied to Special or Heritage Trees. The mayor must use the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, and set the increases by regulation. The first required adjustment begins July 1, 2029, and repeats every three years.
D.C. uses 40 inches as the lower figure in its Special Tree size range. The figure applies to the definition of a Special Tree under D.C.'s tree law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 21Law Number L26-0113 Effective from May 21, 2026Latest
- Apr 9Transmitted to CongressMinor
- Mar 27Act A26-0283 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 005086
- Mar 24Returned from Mayor
- Mar 24Enacted without Mayor's Signature with Act Number A26-0283Became Law
- Mar 9Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Mar 24, 2026To Governor
- Mar 3Final Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- Feb 3First Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded First Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- 2025
- Dec 18Committee Mark-up of B26-0059 by the Transportation and the Environment Committee
- Jan 24Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0059 Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Jan 21Referred to Committee on Transportation and the EnvironmentMinor
- Jan 13B26-0059 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Environment & Energy