Bill > SB5775

This bill aims to accelerate the deployment of broadband in Washington by amending the state's laws related to telecommunications and right-of-way management. The key provisions include: 1. Defining "fiber" as including fiber optic cables, hand holes, vaults, and terminals, and "microtrench" as a narrow open excavation trench less than or equal to four inches wide and between 12 and 26 inches deep used for installing subsurface pipes or conduits. 2. Requiring cities, towns, and counties to allow microtrenching for the installation of underground fiber, unless they make a written finding that it would inconvenience public use or adversely affect public health, safety, and welfare. 3. Allowing cities, towns, and counties to impose reasonable fees on fiber installation permits to cover the costs of processing, issuing, and inspecting the permits, including any costs related to expedited review. 4. Specifying that restoration requirements for microtrenching must be commensurate with the impact on the local right-of-way. The overall goal of the bill is to facilitate the faster and more cost-effective deployment of fiber optic infrastructure across Washington to improve access to high-speed internet for a variety of purposes, including remote work, distance learning, telehealth, and economic development.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5775&Year=2021&Initiative=false