Bill
HD 299
Allows Massachusetts municipalities to access and attach equipment to utility poles in public rights-of-way without utility company permission, enabling infrastructure modernization.
HD 299 grants municipalities the right to access and use utility poles situated within their rights-of-way for municipal purposes, such as installing traffic signals, streetlights, or broadband infrastructure. The bill establishes a framework allowing towns and cities to utilize these poles without requiring permission from utility companies that own them, provided the use doesn't interfere with utility operations.
This bill directly impacts municipal infrastructure development and broadband expansion efforts. Communities increasingly need pole access to deploy fiber-optic networks and modernize public services, but utility company ownership has historically created barriers. The legislation addresses a practical bottleneck many municipalities face when attempting infrastructure projects.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
