AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 13; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to broadband infrastructure and equipment.
Impact
The bill introduces mandatory compliance measures, requiring telecommunications providers to register with the Department of Safety before offering services. This includes an annual registration fee and further documentation regarding the operational contact person for the provider. Consequently, this creates a formalized system to monitor and regulate telecommunications infrastructure within Tennessee, ensuring companies adhere to the state's defined safety and compliance criteria. The legislation comes with significant penalties for non-compliance, with fines that can reach up to $100,000 for violations, thereby reinforcing its importance and the seriousness with which the state views telecommunications security.
Summary
Senate Bill 2857 aims to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated to address the regulation and construction of critical telecommunications infrastructure within the state. The bill establishes clear definitions around what constitutes critical telecommunications infrastructure and sets out specific requirements for telecommunications providers regarding the types of equipment that can be used. It emphasizes the need to avoid using equipment associated with federally banned corporations or those linked to designated foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, and Iran. This is particularly aimed at enhancing state security and ensuring that sensitive communications infrastructure is protected from foreign threats.
Contention
While supporters argue that SB2857 is a necessary step to safeguard the state's infrastructure, critics may voice concerns over the potential for increased regulatory burdens on telecommunications companies, possibly impeding competitive markets. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about the practical implications of having to remove and replace equipment from foreign adversaries by December 1, 2025—an operation that could be costly and logistically challenging for many providers. The bill also underscores a growing trend towards more stringent laws addressing cybersecurity and foreign influence in critical infrastructure sectors.
Crossfiled
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 13; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to broadband infrastructure and equipment.