Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.
Impact
The implementation of A155 is projected to have significant implications for state laws regarding construction and utility regulations. By establishing clear protocols for utility relocation, the bill should minimize delays that can often halt or slow down critical infrastructure projects. Notably, the bill stipulates that utility companies will be held liable for impact costs resulting from delays, ensuring that they maintain responsibility for their facilities during these projects.
Summary
Assembly Bill A155 requires public utility and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate their facilities when directed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for transportation infrastructure projects. This bill aims to streamline the process for relocating utility facilities during construction, thereby reducing the time and costs typically associated with such relocations. The bill expands the regulatory powers of the Commissioner of Transportation, allowing for more effective oversight of utility relocations within infrastructure projects.
Contention
There may be potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly concerning the balance of responsibilities between the DOT and utility companies. While the bill aims to expedite the relocation process, utility companies may express concerns about the financial burden associated with the costs of pre-engineering, testing, and potential penalties for delays. Additionally, the stipulation that utility companies must take accountability for providing accurate facility information raises questions about their obligations and liabilities, particularly in cases of misinformation which could lead to construction delays.
Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.
Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.
Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.
Provides that contractors and subcontractors to cable television companies who are assessed penalties for two separate violations of payroll reporting requirements shall be ineligible to submit a bid on or be awarded any public work contract with the state, any municipal corporation or public body for five years; provides that cable television companies shall be subject to the requirement that workers on certain excavation projects be paid not less than a prevailing rate of wage.
Requires municipalities and the department of transportation to reimburse non-rate regulated utilities for site relocation labor costs incurred due to road maintenance
Requires public utilities and cable television companies to accommodate and relocate facilities when necessary for transportation infrastructure projects at direction of DOT.