H 3450
An Act to establish municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to give municipalities greater access to utility poles located within their rights-of-way. Currently, there can be restrictions on municipalities accessing these poles to install or maintain infrastructure like broadband internet or public safety equipment. The bill seeks to clarify the rules and procedures for municipal access, promoting wider deployment of essential services. It is part of a broader effort to address issues related to utility poles in Massachusetts.
Key provisions
- Allows municipalities to request access to utility poles.
- Establishes a process for municipalities to obtain permission to install equipment on utility poles.
- Requires utility companies to provide information about poles and their attachments.
- Facilitates the installation of broadband infrastructure.
- Supports the deployment of public safety equipment.
- Addresses potential barriers to municipal infrastructure projects.
Who is affected
- Municipalities
- Utility Companies
- Telecommunications Providers
- Broadband Providers
- Residents
Notable changes
- Clarifies municipal rights to access utility poles.
- Potentially streamlines the process for municipalities to install infrastructure.
- Addresses concerns about limiting municipal broadband deployment.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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Bill H.3450 194th (Current)
An Act to establish municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way
By Representative Barrett of North Adams, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3450) of John Barrett, III relative to municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: John Barrett, III
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.3450
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 6/5/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 9/2/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025 |
| 12/4/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 4/6/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5323 |
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