Bill > H3845

This bill amends South Carolina law to clarify the cost-sharing requirements for relocating utility and broadband service lines during transportation improvement and federal highway projects. Specifically, the bill defines key terms like "broadband service" (high-speed internet meeting federal standards) and establishes guidelines for who pays relocation costs. For small public water and sewer utilities, the transportation project will cover all relocation costs, while large utilities will have their costs covered up to 4% of the project's original construction bid amount. For broadband service providers, the federal highway project will now bear all relocation costs, which is a new provision. The bill requires broadband service providers and utilities to submit necessary documentation at least 180 days before project bid receipt and meet established construction schedules to qualify for cost coverage. If a utility or provider fails to meet these requirements, they may have to pay their own relocation expenses. The bill also requires the state department to include utility and broadband service line relocation metrics in its annual accountability report, providing transparency about these infrastructure changes. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous sunset provision, making these regulations permanent.

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3845&session=126&summary=B