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Minutes for HB2806 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Authorizing certain telecommunications and video service providers to operate in county public right-of-way and limiting the fees and costs that a county may impose upon such providers for such activities.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 29, 2024
Chairperson Delperdang opened the hearing on HB2806.
Nick Myers provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment1) Mr. Myers responded to questions from the committee members.
Chair recognized proponent testimony as follows:
Megan Bottenberg, Cox Communications (Attachment2) testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bottenberg explained Cox is committed to expanding into rural and unserved areas in Kansas and thanked Ideatek and AT&T for working on this legislation. She added all broadband providers should be treated fairly without undue and discriminatory fees and costs in the public county right of way.
Daniel Friesen, Ideatek (Attachment3) testified in support of the bill. Mr. Friesen stated the bill would provide protection for both providers and counties in establishing use of the public right of way in infrastructure deployment. He added most Kansas counties operate collaboratively and without causing undue delay, however as they deploy broadband into unincorporated areas they often are met with inconsistencies in various county's permitting process and cost, causing delays in the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure in rural areas on our state.
The conferee's responded to questions from committee members.
Proponent-Written only testimony: Darin Miller, AT&T Kansas (Attachment4).
Neutral-Written only testimony: Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment5).
Chairperson Delperdang asked the committee for any further questions.
Chair closed the hearing on HB2806.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5.
Chair Delperdang adjourned the meeting at 9:48am.
