Bill > S1976

This bill seeks to expand the authority of municipalities in Massachusetts regarding public rights-of-way. The key provisions are: 1. Municipalities may move, relocate, or remove utility poles, wires, or attachments if a utility company does not do so within the required 90-day or agreed-upon timeframe, and can charge the utility company a reasonable fee for non-performance. 2. Municipalities may adopt bylaws and ordinances to impose fees or fines on utility companies operating in public rights-of-way, assess taxes on those utility companies, and require licensing and permitting of utility companies operating in public rights-of-way. 3. Municipalities and public utilities have the right to purchase utility poles from investor-owned utilities at a price that takes into account the depreciation in value of the utility poles. The bill aims to give municipalities more control and oversight over utility companies operating in public rights-of-way within their jurisdictions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1976