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SB 338

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cruce and 9 co-sponsors

SB 338 aims to streamline Delaware telecom deployment by standardizing local permitting and coordinating with utilities, speeding approvals while safeguarding rights and safety.

Introduced and Assigned to Executive Committee in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 338

Summary of SB 338 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

  • SB 338 proposes amendments to Title 9 (Chancery/municipal and local government matters) and Title 22 (Labor, building, and infrastructure) of the Delaware Code.
  • The overarching aim is to address telecom infrastructure, signaling changes likely to streamline deployment, oversight, and coordination related to telecommunications facilities and networks.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amendments to Title 9:

    • The bill introduces or revises requirements related to local government processes, permitting, and siting for telecom infrastructure projects.
    • Potential emphasis on timelines for decisions, standardized procedures, or criteria to facilitate faster review while maintaining regulatory safeguards.
    • May establish or modify roles for local governments, planners, or authorities in reviewing and approving telecom projects such as towers, antennas, small-cell deployments, or fiber facilities.

  • Amendments to Title 22:

    • The bill alters provisions governing infrastructure and electrical/utility regulations connected to telecom facilities.
    • Could address safety standards, construction practices, and coordination with electric utility infrastructure.
    • Might create or adjust permitting fees, bonding requirements, or inspection protocols for telecom installations.

  • General regulatory framework enhancements:

    • Possible introduction of preemption or coordination mechanisms to reduce conflicting local regulations and enable more consistent statewide deployment.
    • May set forth timelines by which agencies must act (e.g., permit decisions, scoping, or approvals) to avoid undue delays.
    • May outline remedies or avenues for appeal if permits or decisions are contested.

Who would be affected

  • Telecom carriers and service providers deploying or expanding networks (e.g., fiber, wireless facilities, small cells, towers) in Delaware.
  • Local governments and planning departments responsible for reviewing and issuing permits for telecom infrastructure.
  • Electric utilities and facility owners whose infrastructure intersects with telecom projects (e.g., co-location on utility poles, rights-of-way).
  • Property owners and developers where telecom infrastructure is proposed on or near private property.
  • Consumers and end users could indirectly benefit from potentially faster, more reliable telecom deployment and expanded service options.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The action history notes: Introduced and assigned to the Executive Committee in the Senate on 2026-05-28.
  • As an early-stage bill, it will undergo committee vetting, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the Senate, followed by House review and reconciliation if passed.
  • The bill may establish or reference specific deployment timelines, public notice requirements, or hearing schedules as part of its streamlined process goals.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Prospective benefits: Reduced regulatory friction for telecom deployments, clearer statewide standards, improved coordination between state and local authorities, and potentially accelerated infrastructure rollout.
  • Possible drawbacks: If provisions tilt toward faster permitting, concerns may arise regarding local control, environmental or neighborhood impacts, and public input protections.
  • Fiscal considerations: The bill could affect permit fees, bonding, and inspection costs for carriers and municipalities; these would be clarified in the full text and fiscal notes.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated objectives and typical components based on the title and initial description. For a precise understanding, the full text of SB 338 and any fiscal impact statements or analyses released by the Delaware General Assembly should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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