HSB 185: Related to using electric transmission and distribution easements held by electric cooperatives for broadband service, and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill relates to using easements held by electric cooperatives for purposes of expanding broadband service. The bill allows an electric cooperative to authorize within its electric transmission or distribution easements the placement of broadband infrastructure, which may include fiberoptic cable facilities, by a communications service provider. The bill requires the electric cooperative to provide the owner of the property on which the easement is located a written notice when the electric cooperative intends to use the easement for broadband purposes and provides the required procedure and contents of the notice.

House subcommittee · named February 17, 2025

• Rep. Shannon Latham (R) · shannon.latham@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Ken Croken (D) · ken.croken@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Devon Wood (R) · devon.wood@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 3 against

For: Dairyland Power Cooperative

Against: Iowa Cable and Telecommunications Association; Iowa Communications Alliance; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

In plain words

1. February 17, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Economic Growth and Technology committee
2. February 17, 2025House subcommittee named: Latham, Croken and Wood
3. February 25, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes