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H 145

BROADBAND – Amends existing law to revise provisions about the dig once policy and rights-of-way for broadband.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Extends Idaho's Dig Once to single county-wide highway districts, coordinating broadband installs in highway rights-of-way with neutral rules to cut road openings and costs.

Reported Printed and Referred to Transportation & Defense
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Bill Summary · H 145

Summary: Idaho House Bill 145 (H 145) – Broadband Dig Once Policy Update

Overview

H 145 updates Idaho’s Dig Once Policy to extend its application to single county-wide highway districts formed under chapter 14, title 40, Idaho Code. The bill aims to promote cost-efficient, coordinated expansion of broadband infrastructure by integrating installation opportunities into highway construction and maintenance projects. It requires districts to adopt nondiscriminatory, competitively neutral rules aligned with the Dig Once Policy, with the goal of reducing road openings, improving efficiency, and standardizing construction methods within state or district rights-of-way (ROW).

Fiscal note: The legislation is reported as having no fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Effective status: The bill declares an emergency and provides an effective date (emergency clause implied). It was introduced on February 5, 2025, and referred to Transportation & Defense (with prior referral to Joint Rules for printing).

What the Bill Would Change

  • Expansion of Dig Once to districts: Adds single county-wide highway districts as subject to Dig Once requirements, ensuring coordination of broadband deployment within highway ROWs during roadway projects.
  • Rules and standards: Requires districts to develop nondiscriminatory, competitively neutral rules, standards, and policies consistent with the Dig Once Policy.
  • ROW management: Standardizes construction specifications and installation methods for broadband facilities in state or district highway ROWs.

Key Provisions and Definitions (Section References)

  • 40-516 (Legislative Intent): Reaffirms broadband as vital to Idaho’s economy, promotes Dig Once as a means to expand broadband efficiently, and directs the Department of Transportation (and newly covered districts) to develop compatible rules and policies.
  • 40-517 (Definitions): Establishes terms including:
    • Broadband (minimum 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload)
    • Broadband infrastructure and provider
    • Dig Once Policy
    • District (single county-wide highway district)
    • Longitudinal access and micro-trenching
  • 40-518 (Notification and Project Identification): Creates a competitively neutral registry of broadband providers willing to install broadband along highways; annual updates.
    • Departments/districts must identify projects suitable for coordination and notify providers.
    • Providers have at least 30 days to submit a statement of interest.
    • The department/district engages with interested providers to determine appropriateness.
    • Final determination of suitability may include conditions (liability, relocation costs, indemnification) and may deny installation if it would impede construction, safety, or statutory rules.

The document excerpt indicates additional language in 40-518 about departmental conduit installation for its own use, though the text is truncated.

Affected Parties

  • State and district transportation entities: Idaho Transportation Department and the newly included single county-wide highway districts.
  • Broadband providers: Private, public, and nonprofit entities that install or operate broadband infrastructure, registered to participate in coordinated ROW projects.
  • Public and private stakeholders: Utilities and service providers coordinating with transportation agencies to minimize disruptions and costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • Action: Reported Printed and Referred to Transportation & Defense (February 6, 2025) after initial JRA for Printing (February 5, 2025)
  • Effective date: Emergency clause included; exact date not specified in the excerpt.

Practical Impact

  • Expect more coordinated planning between transportation agencies and broadband providers on highway projects.
  • Potentially lower costs and fewer road/ROW disruptions due to standardized installation practices and timely coordination.
  • Increased regulatory clarity for districts on how to integrate broadband into highway construction and maintenance.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience ( policymakers, stakeholders, or the general public ) or compare it to current Idaho law on the Dig Once Policy.

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

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