SB172 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Wireless telecommunications, installation and deployment of small wireless facilities and associated poles, towers, and base stations on the public rights-of-way, authorized

Summary

SB 172 would let wireless providers colocate and install small wireless facilities on state and local rights-of-way, with a streamlined permitting process and new fee structure.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes wireless providers to place small wireless facilities on existing poles or install new poles in the rights-of-way controlled by state, counties, or municipalities, and it exempts these facilities from some zoning review. It creates a formal permitting process with defined timelines, completeness checks, and the option for consolidated applications, plus a fee schedule for permits and annual access. It also sets height and size limits for new poles and devices, requires insurance and indemnification obligations, and gives authorities authority to require removal, relocation, or replacement under certain safety or construction needs, all while ensuring compliance with FCC orders and excluding electric-provider poles. It does not change existing pole attachment agreements and includes provisions to restore right-of-way after work and to charge reasonable make-ready costs.

Who It Affects

• Wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers would gain streamlined rights to colocate or install small wireless facilities on rights-of-way, face defined application fees, maintenance requirements, and insurance/indemnification obligations.
• Local authorities (state agencies, counties, and municipalities) would administer the permitting process, set and collect fees, enforce timelines, require standards for make-ready work and insurance, and have removal/relocation authority under specified conditions.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Authorizes collocation and installation of small wireless facilities on existing or new poles in rights-of-way, sets height/size limits for facilities, defines small wireless facilities (including micro facilities), and exempts such facilities from certain zoning review (with exclusions for electric provider poles).
• Provision 2: Establishes a comprehensive permitting framework with timelines (60 days for collocation on existing structures, 90 days for new/replacement poles), a consolidated application option for areas up to two miles wide, a detailed fee schedule, make-ready process and costs, insurance and indemnification requirements, and authority to order removal or relocation while enforcing compliance with FCC orders.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Telecommunications