5G UPGRADE Act of 2023 5G Using Previously Granted Rulings that Accelerate Deployment Everywhere Act of 2023
The enactment of HB 3300 may significantly impact state laws pertaining to telecommunications and local government oversight of infrastructure developments. By facilitating a quicker review process for modifications to wireless facilities, the bill aims to accelerate the deployment of 5G technology across the states. This change is essential for meeting growing consumer demand for high-speed internet and enhancing communication infrastructure, which proponents believe will ultimately benefit local economies and communities.
House Bill 3300, titled the '5G UPGRADE Act of 2023', seeks to amend existing provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 regarding the process for local governments to consider modifications to wireless facilities. The bill introduces a requirement for state and local governments to issue approvals for certain requests within a defined 60-day timeframe. If no action is taken by the end of this period, the requests are automatically deemed approved, which streamlines the process for telecommunications providers looking to modify existing infrastructure necessary for 5G technology deployment.
Despite its intended benefits, HB 3300 has sparked debate regarding local control over telecommunications infrastructure. Opponents argue that the automatic approval provision undermines the authority of local governments to regulate modifications that could affect community aesthetics or safety. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the lack of pre-application requirements, which some believe could lead to inadequate assessments of the environmental or public impact of the proposed modifications. The balance between efficient technological advancement and local governance remains a contentious point in discussions around this bill.