SB2493: GEOLOGY ACT SUNSET EXTENSION

Legislative Summary

Amends the Electric Supplier Act. Provides that the amendatory provisions may be referred to as the Electrical Service Broadband Deployment and Access Law. Defines terms. Provides that a broadband grant recipient, subject to the recipient's broadband grant, may access and use (i) any existing electric easement held or controlled by the broadband grant recipient or (ii) any other existing electric easement contingent upon an agreement with the easement holder or controller for the delivery of such broadband service by such broadband grant recipient. Sets forth provisions concerning notice and the procedures for the landowner to claim just compensation. Provides that, conditional upon acquiring the proper agreement or permit with the highway right-of-way controller or holder, a broadband grant recipient may install, maintain, and use broadband infrastructure below ground along a highway right-of-way within the grant service area. Sets forth provisions concerning labor standards and protection, including requiring the payment of prevailing wages and benefits to workers. Provides that the rights and obligations of broadband project grant recipients and landowners set forth in the amendatory provisions do not apply on and after January 1, 2030. Amends the Broadband Infrastructure Advancement Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, when evaluating grant applications for the deployment of broadband network, must consider the expediency with which a project can be completed and broadband Internet access service delivered. Effective immediately.