Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act
If enacted, HB3319 would require state and local governments to approve eligible facilities requests related to wireless towers and telecommunications service facilities within 60 days, or these requests would be automatically deemed approved. This provision seeks to accelerate the regulatory process, encouraging more efficient upgrades to infrastructure that can directly benefit public safety and connectivity. The Federal Communications Commission is tasked with implementing rules to enforce these changes within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
House Bill 3319, known as the Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act, seeks to amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. The aim of this bill is to streamline the process through which state and local governments consider requests for modifications to existing wireless facilities and telecommunications service facilities. The bill proposes to eliminate unnecessary delays in approving modifications that do not substantially change the physical dimensions of these structures, thereby enhancing the deployment of telecommunications services.
One notable point of contention surrounding HB3319 is the balance between facilitating infrastructure development and maintaining local control over telecommunications facilities. Proponents argue that easing the approval process is crucial for improving public safety and ensuring robust communications infrastructure, particularly during emergencies. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding local governments' reduced ability to impose additional regulations that could protect community interests such as aesthetics, environmental impact, and local land use considerations.