SB76 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Greg Albritton

Session

Regular Session 2021

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

SB76 would regulate and speed up the use of Alabama’s rights‑of‑way for small wireless facilities by letting providers colocate on existing or new poles, exempting many from zoning review, and setting permit processes, fees, and safety rules.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes wireless providers to collocate on existing poles or install new poles within the state’s rights‑of‑way and exempts small wireless facilities from certain zoning review if they meet the act and FCC orders. It creates a permitting process with clear deadlines (10 days to determine completeness; 60 days for collocation on existing structures; 90 days for deployment on new or replacement poles) and allows consolidated applications up to a two‑mile area. It establishes a fee structure for applications, make‑ready work, and pole installations, plus insurance and indemnity requirements, and gives authorities power to order removal or relocation for safety or public‑works needs with specified compliance timelines.

Who It Affects

• Wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers would gain streamlined rights to place and operate small wireless facilities in rights‑of‑way, with defined application processes, fees, and safety/insurance obligations.
• Authorities (state agencies, counties, and municipalities) and electric providers would administer the permitting system, enforce rules, assess limited fees, and have authority to order removal or relocation of facilities, while electric provider poles are largely exempt from the act.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Establishes the right to collocate small wireless facilities on existing poles or install new poles in the rights‑of‑way, with exemptions from certain zoning reviews if in compliance with the act and FCC orders and height/structure limits.
• Provision 2: Sets a non‑discriminatory fee schedule, mandatory insurance and indemnity requirements, and clearance/relocation provisions, including specific timelines (e.g., 360‑day operability target, 90‑day relocation/removal window) and enforcement mechanisms for safety and public‑works priorities.

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