Bill > HR1617

This bill amends the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to streamline the process for modifying existing wireless facilities by establishing new requirements for state and local governments. The bill mandates that government entities cannot deny and must approve "eligible facilities requests" for wireless tower, base station, or support structure modifications that do not substantially change the physical dimensions of the structure. It introduces a 60-day deemed approval timeline, where if a government does not respond within that period, the request is automatically approved. The bill also limits the documentation governments can require from requesting parties, specifying that only information reasonably related to determining the request's eligibility can be demanded. An "eligible facilities request" can include adding, removing, or replacing transmission equipment, or making improvements that enhance the facility's resiliency and provide public safety benefits, such as backup power or more reliable connections. The bill allows requesting parties to bring actions in federal district courts to enforce these provisions and requires the Federal Communications Commission to issue implementing rules within 180 days of the act's enactment. The new provisions will apply to eligible facilities requests submitted on or after the date of enactment.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1617/all-info