Extends the expiration date of the Uniform Small Wireless Facility Deployment Act
The bill will ensure the continued operation and collaboration of small wireless facilities on authority poles, as it allows existing permits to remain valid for their duration, ensuring businesses can continue their operations without interruption. By extending the act's expiration date, it empowers local governments and authorities to continue deploying and managing wireless infrastructure which is integral in meeting the increasing demand for wireless services among residents and businesses alike.
Senate Bill 1411 aims to extend the expiration date of the Uniform Small Wireless Facility Deployment Act. Initially set to expire on January 1, 2025, the bill proposes that the act should now remain effective until December 31, 2029. This legislative change is significant in regulating the deployment of small wireless facilities which are critical for advancing telecommunications infrastructure within the state.
While the bill is largely aimed at facilitating technological advancement and enhancing telecommunications services, it may also evoke discussions about local control and the regulation of public infrastructure. Opponents may argue that extending the deployment act could potentially undermine local governance over public property, risking unilateral decisions about the location and scale of cell installations that might not align with local community standards or needs.