SB 1460 Summary

• Authorizes electric cooperatives and generation and transmission cooperatives to directly or through affiliates provide broadband service (defined as 25+ Mbps download, 3+ Mbps upload speeds) to areas where they provide electric service.

• Allows cooperatives to expand existing electric easements and property rights to construct and operate fiber optic cables and broadband facilities over land they own, hold, or use.

• Entitles property owners to just compensation if expanded broadband use reduces fair market value of their property; property owners must sue within 18 months of notice or lose the right to compensation.

• Requires cooperatives to provide written notice to property owners before excavating underground facilities for broadband, including cooperative contact information and approximate excavation dates.

• Prohibits class action lawsuits against cooperatives for broadband-related compensation claims and prohibits using revenues or rental value of communication corridors to determine fair market value.