New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2233

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities and pay costs thereof when necessary for infrastructure projects.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of A2233 is that it shifts the financial burden of accommodating and relocating utility facilities from taxpayers to the utilities themselves. Currently, such costs are factored into the overall expense of highway projects, which can lead to increased strain on public funds. This bill aims to prevent taxpayers from shouldering these costs, ensuring that utilities, which have the legal privilege to occupy public rights-of-way, are accountable for the expenses related to their facilities being relocated for infrastructure improvements.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2233 establishes a framework requiring public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate their facilities during infrastructure projects undertaken by state, county, or municipal contracting entities. This bill stipulates that the costs incurred for such relocations or accommodations will be borne by the respective utilities, rather than taxpayers. This legislative move aims to streamline infrastructure projects, often vital for maintaining public service and quality of life, by minimizing delays associated with the relocation of utility facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding Bill A2233 may include the potential concerns from public utility companies regarding their financial responsibilities. Utilities might argue that the bill could place an undue burden on them, affecting their operational costs and possibly leading to higher prices for consumers. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that it incentivizes utilities to be more proactive in managing their infrastructure, ultimately leading to more efficient use of public funds and timely completion of essential infrastructure projects.

Companion Bills

NJ A1458

Carry Over Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities and pay costs thereof when necessary for infrastructure projects.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1458

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities and pay costs thereof when necessary for infrastructure projects.

NJ A209

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.

NJ A155

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.

NJ A3068

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A194

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ AB1145

Conversion of existing overhead electric and communication facilities to underground locations: cable television corporations and cable operators.

NJ A334

Permits public utilities and cable television companies to operate unmanned aircraft systems to inspect storm or other damage.

NJ HB800

Public service companies; pole attachments to accommodate cable TV systems & telecommunications.

NJ SB713

Public service companies; pole attachments to accommodate cable TV systems & telecommunications.

NJ A204

Requires certain cable television companies renewing system-wide franchise to make cable television service available within certain municipalities.

Similar Bills

NJ A1458

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities and pay costs thereof when necessary for infrastructure projects.

NJ A155

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.

NJ A209

Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.

HI SB1610

Relating To Taxation.

HI SB1610

Relating To Taxation.

NJ S277

Establishes green infrastructure financing program.

NJ A1781

Establishes green infrastructure financing program.

NJ S985

Establishes green infrastructure financing program.