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Bill > HF2228


IA HF2228

IA HF2228
A bill for an act relating to the installation of transmission lines on highway rights-of-way.(Formerly HF 736.)


summary

Introduced
01/30/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to the installation of transmission lines on highway rights-of-way. Under current law, the general assembly encourages proactive coordination between the department of transportation (DOT), local governments, utility companies, and other affected parties to minimize costs and avoid relocating utilities during highway construction. Affected parties are invited to participate in development meetings. However, failure to participate during the design phase does not prevent a construction project from moving forward. The bill requires the DOT, upon written request by a utility infrastructure owner, to engage in coordination activities with a utility or transmission line developer to review highway corridors identified in the request for potential locations to place transmission lines. The DOT must share all known plans with affected utility or transmission line developers on planned future projects in the highway corridor if the planned highway project impacts the placement or siting of transmission lines. Under current law, the DOT is required to adopt administrative rules embodying a utility accommodation policy imposing reasonable restrictions on utility line placements on primary road rights-of-way. The bill authorizes longitudinal transmission line installations to be installed on a primary road right-of-way, upon written request by a utility infrastructure owner, unless the DOT determines such an installation would endanger public safety or interfere with the proper function and use of the highway. The DOT must make the reasons for denying the installation of a longitudinal transmission line available to the public within 90 days.

AI Summary

This bill requires the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to actively coordinate with utility infrastructure owners and transmission line developers when they request to explore highway corridors for potential transmission line locations, assigning a project coordinator within 30 days and sharing information about future highway projects that might impact transmission line placement. It also amends existing law to allow longitudinal transmission line installations, meaning lines placed parallel to the road, on primary road rights-of-way, which are areas alongside major state roads, unless the DOT determines it would endanger public safety or interfere with the highway's function, and if denied, the DOT must publicly provide the reasons for denial within 90 days.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Commerce (House)

Last Action

Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 186. (on 01/30/2026)

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