HI HB1782

Authorizes electric utilities to own, operate, lease, construct, install, maintain, and replace broadband facilities, including middle mile infrastructure, within their electric easements and rights-of-way.

Permits electric utilities to allow broadband affiliates and other persons to use electric easements for broadband facilities under agreements and terms specified by the utility.

Establishes that broadband use of electric easements must not materially alter the easement's physical use or interfere with property owners' vested rights, and constitutes a compatible use with utility support services.

Creates a civil action remedy for property owners claiming damages from broadband facility construction, with a 12-month filing deadline and damages measured as the difference in property value before and after construction, excluding consideration of utility revenues or profits.

Directs the Public Utilities Commission to develop an efficient regulatory review process to support broadband deployment through electric utility infrastructure while maintaining existing utility oversight authority.