Bill > A5896

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency (office) in the Department of State (department), which office is to assume the functions, power, and duties of the Board of Public Utilities (board) related to the regulation of rates, terms, and contracts concerning pole attachments and is to be responsible for administering the New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program (program) established under this bill. The bill appropriates $2 million to the department for the administration of the office and the program. The Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency This bill establishes the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency to regulate rates, terms, and contracts concerning pole attachments and coordinate among permitting authorities in order to increase the efficiency of permitting processes related to the implementation or construction of development projects in the State. The Secretary of State is required to appoint a director to supervise the office, and the department may employ such other personnel and staff as may be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office. In addition to other duties and responsibilities as may be prescribed by law, the bill outlines certain other duties and responsibilities for the office. The New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program The bill requires the department to establish the New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program, which is to be administered by the office, to facilitate the efficient processing and acquisition of necessary permits for critical infrastructure projects and critical economic development projects. In addition, the office is to establish criteria related to the types of critical infrastructure projects and critical economic development projects that may be eligible for participation in the program and provides for an application process. Under the bill, the office is permitted to accept applications on a rolling basis, and applicants are to submit certain information outlined in the bill as part of an application under the program. Upon approval of an application, the office is required to provide guidance and project coordination services for each project developer to assist in the application for, and acquisition of, necessary permits related to the implementation or construction of the project. The office is required to publish on the official Internet website of the department: (1) guidance providing instructions on how to apply for the program; (2) contact information for individuals in the office who may assist developers in applying for the program; and (3) a dashboard that includes a brief description of each project approved for participation in the program and that includes information concerning related permitting requirements and processing timelines, and the status of the project. With this legislation, the sponsor intends to streamline the deployment of broadband and electronic communications infrastructure, which are functions essential to economic development and vitality in the state, by making the office the administrator, regulator, and enforcer of a framework that is consistent with federal pole attachment law and regulation.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Andrea Katz (D)*,  Balvir Singh (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 06/27/2025)

Official Document