HB 2060: Rights-of-way use

Summary

• $ Cities and towns are required to give access to public rights of way, including access to wireless services, and cannot exclude wireless through zoning.
• C A process for expedited permitting is created, with a 120-day time line for the initial master permit, and a further expedited 30-day time line for a use permit.
• C Denials or delays of either permit must be in writing, and are subject to administrative review.
• C Cities and towns are not permitted to compete with telecommunication or cable businesses using those businesses' excess access.
• C Cities and towns may lease out access owned by service providers in the right of way to other service providers C Proprietary information of a company doing business in the right of way is not subject to the open public records act.
• C Cities are allowed to request a facility to move in the right of way, but the city will pay for the move if there is a second request to move within five years.

From the Substitute House Bill Report (SHB 2060), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗