Bill > HB661

This bill requires municipalities, counties, cities, towns, villages, and the state Department of Transportation to reimburse non-rate regulated utility providers for the costs of relocating their facilities when road maintenance, construction, or other right-of-way projects necessitate such moves. Non-rate regulated utility providers include certain telecommunications companies, broadband and internet service providers, video service providers, and cable operators whose services are not subject to traditional rate regulation. The bill specifically amends multiple sections of Missouri state law to mandate that when these government entities undertake road or infrastructure projects that require utility facilities to be moved, they must cover the relocation expenses. This represents a significant shift in financial responsibility, as previously utility providers often bore the cost of such relocations. The legislation ensures that utility providers will be compensated for expenses incurred when they are required to adjust their infrastructure to accommodate public infrastructure projects, which can include tasks like moving utility poles, underground cables, or communication equipment. The bill applies to projects within municipal limits and extends up to five miles outside city boundaries, providing comprehensive protection for utility providers across various jurisdictional settings.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB661&year=2025&code=R