977E3BDA0217124C87258B7F00607C49 Hearing Summary

Sarah Lozano and Clare Heffner, Office of Legisaltive Legal Services, gave an overview of the bill draft request process and associated deadlines.

Senator Roberts proposed a bill draft request about establishing a more formal role for state government agencies in aiding cellular connectivity. Representative Soper also expressed his interest on this bill draft request topic.

Representative Soper suggested a bill draft request to offer incentives, such as property tax exemptions or grant funds, to underserved areas that have cellphone connectivity issues.  Rerpesentative Bacon and Senator Hinrichsen agreed to collaborate on this as well.

Chair Lukens raised a bill draft request concerning the cell phone tower permitting process and shot clocks, in addition to other streamlining opportunities.  Representative Bacon also expressed interest in this request.

Representative Soper discussed a bill draft request about intentional damage to infrastructure, including copper and fiber.  Committee members raised questions if this topic is within the committee's scope.  Discussion continued about additional regulations for junkyards accepting copper and streamlining security systems at large towers. 

There was no opposition to the bill draft requests.