Bill > HR1975

This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to establish strict requirements for fees charged by states and local governments when broadband infrastructure providers request to place, construct, or modify broadband infrastructure. Specifically, to be eligible for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program grant funds, any fees charged must meet four key criteria: (1) be competitively neutral, technology neutral, and nondiscriminatory; (2) be publicly disclosed; (3) be calculated based only on actual, direct, and objectively reasonable costs such as request processing, repairs, and replacement of components directly impacted by infrastructure work; and (4) clearly distinguish between one-time and recurring fees, as well as fees for areas with existing broadband infrastructure versus areas without. If a state or local government cannot meet these fee requirements, they will be ineligible to receive BEAD Program grant funds, with the exception of certain specific grant allocations. The bill aims to reduce barriers and costs for broadband infrastructure deployment by ensuring fees are transparent, fair, and cost-based.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1975/all-info