Bill > HR6046

This bill aims to streamline the process for telecommunications and broadband service providers to deploy their facilities in public rights-of-way and railroad rights-of-way by establishing clear notification, application, and coordination requirements. Under the bill, when a provider wants to place or modify facilities in an area where a public right-of-way intersects with a railroad corridor, they must submit a written notification to the railroad carrier with details like location, proposed work date, duration, and entry/exit points. The provider must then schedule the work with the railroad carrier, with a minimum 15-day and maximum 30-day waiting period after notification. For work directly in railroad rights-of-way, providers must submit a more detailed application, which the railroad carrier must approve or deny within a specified timeframe, with denial only permitted if the proposed work would substantially interfere with railroad infrastructure or jeopardize safety. The bill also establishes a petition process through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for resolving disputes between providers and railroad carriers, requires the FCC to create implementing regulations within one year, and specifies that providers must follow all applicable federal laws and safety standards. The legislation is designed to facilitate broader telecommunications and broadband access while maintaining railroad safety and operational integrity.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6046/all-info