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MO SB891
Bill
AI Summary
- Authorizes telecommunications service providers and rural electric cooperatives to attach equipment for smart grid technologies, broadband communications, and advanced technologies to poles owned by telecommunications or electric cooperative systems under written agreements
- Requires attaching entities to provide 15 days' notice to pole owners before attachment, except during large-scale emergency repairs or disaster recovery, and mandates compliance with applicable safety and reliability codes
- Establishes that pole owners may charge reasonable rates calculated similarly to Federal Communications Commission pole attachment rules, assessed on a per-pole basis and not exceeding the pole owner's reasonable costs, with a 10 percent annual cap on rate increases when contracts expire
- Allows either party to demand nonbinding mediation on rate disputes, with pole owners setting rates within statutory limits if mediation fails; attaching entities may petition circuit court if they believe rates exceed standards
- Imposes a 25 percent penalty on unauthorized attachments made after August 28, 2012, payable for up to 12 months, and permits pole owners to recover unpaid amounts plus interest, penalties, and reasonable attorney fees with 45 days' notice before filing collection actions
Legislative Description
Allows telecommunications providers and rural electric cooperatives to attach equipment to other utility poles for smart grid or broadband purposes
Last Action
Hearing Conducted S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee
4/3/2012
Committee Referrals
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy And The Environment3/8/2012
Full Bill Text
No bill text available