Substitute Senate Bill No. 321 amends Section 16-330g of the general statutes to establish new requirements for telecommunications and broadband Internet service providers constructing underground facilities. The bill extends the deadline for the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to initiate an uncontested proceeding to develop an approval process from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2027. It introduces conditions for constructing underground conduits, including adherence to industry best practices for conduit size and installation, ensuring nondiscriminatory access for other service providers, and compliance with existing regulations from local authorities and the Department of Transportation.

The bill also modifies existing legal language by removing the requirement for applicants to notify other service providers of proposed excavations and emphasizes compliance with the encroachment permit process established by the Commissioner of Transportation. Additionally, it clarifies that civil penalties for non-compliance will not be recoverable costs in rate proceedings. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the approval process for underground facility construction while ensuring fair access and adherence to best practices in the telecommunications industry, with an effective date for these changes set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-353
ET Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-330g
File No. 348: 16-330g