Bill > H3152

This bill aims to address the issue of "double poles" - utility poles that remain in place even after a new pole has been installed. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It imposes fines on distribution companies or telephone companies that fail to complete the transfer of wires, repairs, and removal of the existing pole within 180 days of installing a new pole. The fines start at $10 per day for the first 30 days, and increase over time up to $100 per day. For commercial or industrial projects expected to take longer than a year, the companies must remove the old pole within 12 months. 2. The pole owner must notify other users of the start date for the removal and installation work at least 72 hours in advance, and may impose fines on users who fail to remove their own attachments, causing delays. 3. The bill allows pole owners or users to petition the Department of Public Utilities or the Department of Telecommunications and Cable for relief or exemption from the fines. 4. It requires the Department of Public Utilities, in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications and Cable, to adopt regulations for the implementation of the new pole removal requirements by January 1, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3152