Bill > AB1399

This bill amends the existing law regarding the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) process for issuing encroachment permits for broadband facilities, with the goal of streamlining and expediting broadband infrastructure deployment. The bill requires Caltrans to establish a uniform, statewide application and review process for broadband facility encroachment permits, with specific timelines and requirements. Key provisions include: mandating that Caltrans notify applicants within 30 days whether a permit application is complete, providing detailed explanations if an application is deemed incomplete, allowing applicants up to 30 days to submit supplemental information, and requiring Caltrans to approve or deny applications within 30 days of receiving supplemental information. The bill also prohibits Caltrans from denying applications for equipment needed to deploy broadband facilities and requires expedited processing for projects aimed at connecting unserved or underserved communities through state or federal funding programs. Notably, any application deemed complete will be automatically considered approved, and the bill establishes an appeal process for permit denials. These changes are intended to accelerate broadband infrastructure development by reducing bureaucratic barriers and creating a more predictable permitting environment.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1399