Cities have spent a lot of time this past year and a half working with the Senate, House, Governor’s office, and stakeholders to find common ground relating to small cell technology in the rights-of-way. SB 5935 has been moving through the Legislature. The bill would require cities above a certain size to update or adopt policies relating to small cell technology in certain circumstances.
In a surprising turn of events, the House Technology & Economic Development Committee stripped the small cell section from the bill, which referenced city ordinances and policies. The bill then moved out of committee unanimously.
This bill has been deemed necessary to implement the budget (NTIB) due to state budget impacts in other parts of the bill, so the bill remains alive. With just days remaining, anything can happen.
The discussion about small cell technology in city rights-of-way may not be over. Cites should continue to evaluate their current policies and make sure they are updated to include this new small cell technology. That way, cities will be prepared if and when this technology comes to town.
AWC will continue to track this issue.