Indiana Senate Bill SB0466

Indiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

Communications infrastructure in utility easement.

Impact

The bill primarily impacts property law, particularly the rights of property owners regarding the value of their land and compensation related to easement usage. Under the new provisions, property owners may not receive damages if an appraisal cannot establish a decrease in property value due to the use of the easement, making it easier for electricity suppliers to undertake projects. This regulatory shift is anticipated to streamline the process for deploying broadband and other communications services and reduce obstacles in project execution.

Summary

Senate Bill 466 (SB0466) seeks to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities by facilitating the installation of communications infrastructure on properties with electric easements. The bill mandates property owners to allow electricity suppliers and their affiliated entities or communications service providers access to these easements for the purpose of installing necessary infrastructure. This is aimed at enhancing services like broadband availability across Indiana, especially in underserved areas.

Contention

There are notable concerns surrounding SB0466. Critics argue that limiting property owners' rights regarding compensation could lead to potential exploitation by utilities, as property values might not accurately reflect the inconvenience and impact of infrastructure installation. Proponents, however, advocate that the bill will foster better broadband service delivery, which is critical for economic growth and digital inclusion. The balance between facilitating infrastructure development and protecting property owners' interests remains a contentious point in discussions.