The bill H. 3845 aims to amend Section 57-5-880 of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning transportation improvement projects. It stipulates that entities undertaking federal highway projects are responsible for the costs associated with relocating broadband service lines, in addition to water and sewer lines. The bill outlines specific requirements for broadband service providers to qualify for relocation payments and clarifies definitions related to broadband services and utilities. It also establishes that small public utilities will have all relocation costs covered, while large public utilities will have costs capped at four percent of the original construction bid amount.

Additionally, the bill repeals Section 2 of Act 36 of 2019, which included a sunset provision. The changes are designed to ensure that the costs of relocating utilities do not fall on the public utilities themselves, provided they meet certain conditions regarding project timelines and documentation. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/30/2025: 57-5-880
Latest Version: 57-5-880