A bipartisan group of state representatives in Michigan introduced a
package of bills that would limit fees,
streamline permits, prohibit public funds from being spent on municipal
broadband projects, and generally make it easier for private network providers
to ensure high-speed Internet services.
The bills in
the package are HB 5096, to
cap the amount local government can charge broadband providers for
rights-of-way; HB 5097, to
cap the fee a county can charge a broadband
provider for repair or maintenance in a right of way and also limit the bonding
requirements that can be imposed; HB 5098, which would impose notification requirements for a local government or
state agency that requires an Internet provider to temporarily move wires or
other infrastructure due to roadwork or other projects, and prohibit charging
the provider a permit fee to do the required work; and HB
5099,
which would prevent local governments in the state from using public funds to pay for the cost of providing Internet service.
I had the opportunity to appear before the Michigan House Committee on Communications and Technology on October 24, 2017. I commend Committee Chair Michele Hoitenga for convening the hearing on the proposed bills. My testimony before the committee is available here.
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