HB 1697

Abstract

Broadband service providers; fiber optic broadbandlines; railroad crossings. Establishes a procedure by which a broadband service provider may obtain approval to place its fiberoptic broadband lines across a railroad right-of-way. The measureprovides that a broadband service provider may submit to the railroadcompany a notice of intent to construct, accompanied by a specificationexhibit and a standard crossing fee of $800; if the railroad doesnot claim within 35 days that special circumstances exist or thatthe required specification exhibit is inadequate or incomplete, thebroadband service provider is deemed to have authorization to commenceplacing the fiber optic broadband line across the railroad's right-of-way.The measure provides that a railroad company that believes that specialcircumstances exist may file a petition for relief with the StateCorporation Commission. The bill requires the Commission to adoptregulations prescribing the terms and conditions for a crossing.