1. 16.

2. a. Except as provided pursuant to N.J.S.59:3-14, a shade tree commission, or a member of a shade tree commission, or a volunteer participating in a community forestry program as provided for by P.L.1996, c.135 (C.13:1L-17.1 et al.), is not liable for an injury or death caused directly or indirectly by a tree or shrub, or any part thereof, if:

   1. (1) the tree or shrub, or pertinent part thereof, is on public property or on a public easement or right-of-way, or the tree or shrub, regardless of its location, is regulated, planted, cared for, controlled, or maintained by the shade tree commission; and
   2. (2) the local government or the shade tree commission has participated in and successfully completed a training skills and accreditation program established pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1996, c.135 (C.13:1L-17.6) and has a comprehensive community forestry plan approved pursuant to section 7 of that act.
3. b. The existence of a municipal shade tree commission established pursuant to R.S.40:64-1 et seq. or a county shade tree commission established pursuant to R.S.40:37-1 et seq., or the fact that a municipality or county has otherwise provided for the regulation, planting, care, control, or maintenance of trees or shrubs within its jurisdiction, shall not be cause to immunize a private person from liability for an injury caused directly or indirectly by a tree or shrub, or any part thereof, who otherwise would be liable for that injury.

L.1996,c.135,s.16.