These bills would repeal important, agreed upon provisions of the 2017 small wireless infrastructure law, and would further strip cities of the ability to regulate the placement of communications equipment in public rights-of-way.
Issues We OPPOSE in the Bills:
- Places “small wireless infrastructure” shot clocks (time frames) on ALL other communications infrastructure in the public rights-of-way.
- This would bog down city permitting departments by putting communication services to the front of the line.
- Communications service providers do not pay permit fees; so any increase cost associated with this new requirement will be paid by others seeking permits and the taxpayers.
- Removes important protections, such as the ability to require performance bonds, to ensure that taxpayers are not responsible for the industry’s mistakes.
- Performance bonds are the industry standard and go a long way towards protecting the public’s interest in both the safety and aesthetics of their rights of way.
