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IN HB1480

IN HB1480
Line maintenance in public rights-of-way.


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
01/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Line maintenance in public rights-of-way. Sets forth minimum standards for the installation and maintenance of communications service or utility service facilities (facilities) in a public right-of-way. Defines a "permittee" as: (1) a person to whom an initial permit or other authorization for the installation of a facility in a public right-of-way is granted by a unit; or (2) a service provider responsible for maintaining a facility that has been installed in a public right-of-way. Defines a "line pollution violation" as a violation involving: (1) noncompliance with any standard set forth in the bill's provisions for the installation and maintenance of a facility in a public right-of-way; or (2) the presence of any damaged, abandoned, loose, or improperly secured facilities within a public right-of-way; attributable to a permittee. Provides that a permittee responsible for a line pollution violation is liable to the unit owning the public right-of-way for a fine in an amount determined by the unit, but not to exceed: (1) $500 per violation for each day the line pollution violation remains uncured; or (2) a total fine of $2,500. Requires a permittee to ensure that any person responsible for installing, replacing, relocating, or repairing any underground facility that is owned or operated by the permittee and located within a public right-of-way complies with the requirements set forth in: (1) Indiana's statute concerning underground utility facilities; and (2) any applicable local ordinance or regulation; with respect to any work involving drilling, trenching, boring, hand digging, or plowing.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new regulations for the installation and maintenance of communication and utility service facilities in public rights-of-way in Indiana, effective July 1, 2025. The legislation defines key terms such as "facility" (which includes lines, cables, conduits, and equipment used for public services), "line pollution violation" (noncompliance with installation standards or presence of damaged/abandoned infrastructure), and "permittee" (the entity responsible for installing or maintaining facilities). The bill sets specific minimum standards for facility installation and maintenance, including requirements for aerial cables (must be securely overhead), underground conduits (must be properly secured), and structures in hand holes and vaults (must be installed at grade and in working condition). If a permittee violates these standards, they can be fined up to $500 per day per violation, with a total fine not exceeding $2,500. The bill also preserves local units' authority to impose more stringent standards and does not limit existing requirements for underground facility management. Additionally, permittees must ensure that any agents or contractors working on underground facilities comply with state and local regulations regarding excavation and installation work.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Hearing (10:30:00 2/11/2025 Room 156-A) (on 02/11/2025)

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