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Bill > H7173
RI H7173
RI H7173Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.
summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would incorporate broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines, authorize municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure that has been or is reasonably at risk of vandalism, trespass, theft, or damage by extreme weather or climate change related disaster, and include wireless communication infrastructure in the definitions of critical infrastructure for disaster response and for obligations related to purchase and sale of regulated metals. This act would take effect on January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of crimes related to damaging electric and communication lines to include broadband, internet, and wireless means, making it illegal to intentionally harm these types of infrastructure. It also clarifies that "critical infrastructure" for disaster response and the regulation of metal sales now includes wireless communication infrastructure. Furthermore, municipalities are empowered to grant zoning relief, which are exceptions to zoning rules, for critical infrastructure if it has been or is at risk of vandalism, trespass, theft, or damage from extreme weather or climate change-related disasters. This legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (10)
Brian Kennedy (D)*,
Mia Ackerman (D),
Samuel Azzinaro (D),
Megan Cotter (D),
Grace Diaz (D),
Jay Edwards (D),
Deb Fellela (D),
Bill O'Brien (D),
Pat Serpa (D),
Joseph Solomon (D),
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H7173.pdf |
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