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Committee adopts amendment and hears presentation on small-cell deployment bill
Summary
Senate Bill 602, intended to create a uniform framework for small-cell wireless deployments ("5G" small cells), had an amendment adopted and drew questions about rural deployment and municipal fees; sponsor said the bill clarifies use of existing cable lines and avoids duplicative charges.
Senate Bill 602 cleared an amendment and received sponsor presentation in the Insurance & Commerce Committee. The amendment clarifies two main points: (1) use of lines currently used by cable companies to support small-cell devices and (2) cleanup language the highway department sought regarding ultimate authority.
Sponsor Senator Dismayne (as recorded in the transcript) described small-cell devices as roughly the size of "two shoe boxes" and said the measure lays out a uniform permitting and deployment framework that should speed up installations both in denser areas and, where demand exists, in some rural communities. He said cable providers pay fees for the use of their lines already and argued additional fees to attach small-cell adapters would create barriers to deployment.
Senators asked whether the measure would meaningfully help rural areas; the sponsor replied that the bill does not mandate deployment but said providers respond to business demand. The committee adopted the amendment on a voice vote and planned to reconvene in the afternoon for further consideration of outstanding items.
Next steps: Committee will meet later in the day to hear additional comments and finish consideration.
