CS/CS/CS/HB 391 - Location of Utilities

• County commissioners may grant licenses to construct, maintain, and operate communications services lines within county road rights-of-way, including television and other utility services.

• Municipalities and counties are prohibited from requiring utilities or communications services providers to resubmit proprietary maps of previously permitted facilities.

• Utilities must pay for work to alleviate unreasonable interference with public roads or rail corridors within 30 days of notice, except under specific circumstances outlined in the bill.

• Authorities must bear relocation costs when requiring utility relocation for non-transportation purposes, unless the relocation qualifies for exceptions (federal highway projects, utilities serving authority facilities, rural utilities unable to pay, etc.).

• Effective date is upon becoming law, with a finding that the bill serves an important state interest in clarifying utility responsibilities for facility relocation within rights-of-way and utility easements.