Tennessee Panel Clears Small-Cells Bill; Maryland Hearings Canceled
A Tennessee House panel voted by voice to advance a small-cells bill (HB-2279) to the committee that schedules floor votes. Like bills in many other states, the bill aims to streamline 5G wireless infrastructure deployment by pre-empting local governments right-of-way…
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authority. At the Tuesday hearing in the Finance, Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D) said he was concerned the bill was an example of industry “cherry picking” higher-revenue urban areas. “I just want to make sure they're not leaving rural broadband behind.” The panel’s Senate equivalent postponed voting on its version of the bill (SB-2504) until March 27. The Maryland Senate canceled a hearing set for Tuesday on its small-cells bill (SB-1188), which is opposed by local governments. “After multiple conversations, I think it became clear that this bill had numerous problems that could not be easily fixed,” said Mitsuko Herrera, cable communications administrator for Montgomery County, Maryland. SB-1188 sponsor state Sen. Mac Middleton (D) didn’t comment. Due to inclement weather, Montgomery County postponed until April 3 at 7:30 p.m. its own meeting scheduled Tuesday on local rules for processing small-cell applications (see 1710240053). Meanwhile, CTIA applauded Utah this week becoming the 15th state to enact a small-cells law (see 1803200058). “This legislation will ensure residents of Utah receive the investment and benefits that 5G will bring to communities small and large,” said CTIA Senior Vice President-State Affairs Jamie Hastings. An Illinois bill (SB-1451) still awaits its governor's signature.