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Hillsborough County adds opposition to broadband preemption legislation to federal agenda
Summary
The county amended its 2026–27 federal legislative agenda to oppose federal preemption that would limit local control over telecommunications siting, specifically adding opposition to the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025; the motion passed unanimously.
On Feb. 4 the Hillsborough County Commission unanimously approved an amendment to its 2026–27 federal legislative agenda adding opposition to any federal preemption of local authority over telecommunications infrastructure siting, explicitly naming the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025.
Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda moved the amendment and cited positions from national groups — including the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors — that oppose preemption of local siting authority. She told the board the county’s government‑relations budget for FY26 already includes costs associated with implementing the amendment.
Commissioner Russell seconded the motion, noting state rules could also place financial burdens on counties (for example, by requiring counties to pay to move utility lines in certain circumstances). The motion carried 7–0.
What this does: The amendment signals the county’s federal‑policy stance opposing legislation that would reduce local input on placement and permitting of wireless facilities; it does not, by itself, change local permitting rules but directs county government lobbying priorities at the federal level.
Next steps: County government relations staff will incorporate the new position into their federal advocacy work and inform relevant associations and congressional staff.
