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H 300

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

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 300 enhances Idaho's Dig Once Policy, ensuring broadband infrastructure is installed during road projects, boosting connectivity and economic growth statewide.

U.C. to be returned to Transportation & Defense Committee
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Bill Summary · H 300

Summary of House Bill 300 (H 300)

Title

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

Status

  • Current Status: Under consideration, returned to Transportation & Defense Committee.
  • Introduced On: February 21, 2025.

Purpose

House Bill 300 aims to enhance Idaho's existing Dig Once Policy, which facilitates the installation of broadband infrastructure during roadway construction and maintenance. The bill seeks to promote efficient and coordinated broadband expansion across the state, particularly in single county-wide highway districts.

Key Provisions

  1. Expansion of the Dig Once Policy:

    • The bill extends the Dig Once Policy to single county-wide highway districts, mandating that these districts consider broadband infrastructure installation during road projects.

  2. Development of Standards:

    • Highway districts are required to create nondiscriminatory and competitively neutral rules and standards that align with the Dig Once Policy, encouraging investment in broadband infrastructure.

  3. Coordination Between Entities:

    • The legislation promotes collaboration among utilities, broadband providers, and transportation agencies to minimize disruptions caused by repeated road excavations.

  4. Construction Specifications:

    • The bill standardizes construction methods for deploying broadband facilities within public rights-of-way, ensuring the long-term integrity of roadways.

  5. Notification and Project Identification:

    • The Idaho Transportation Department and highway districts must maintain a registry of broadband providers and notify them of potential projects suitable for broadband infrastructure installation.

  6. Opportunity for Coordination:

    • Broadband providers will be given at least 30 days to express interest in coordinating on identified projects, allowing for timely collaboration.

  7. Final Determination Authority:

    • The Idaho Transportation Department will have the authority to determine the suitability of projects for broadband installation and may impose conditions to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Broadband Providers: The bill creates a more predictable environment for broadband installation, potentially lowering costs and increasing service availability.
    • Highway Districts: They will need to develop new rules and coordinate with broadband providers, impacting their operational procedures.
    • Residents and Businesses: Improved broadband infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity and support economic growth in both urban and rural areas.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • The bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on state or local government revenues or expenditures.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred for printing.
  • February 24, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the Transportation & Defense Committee.
  • February 27, 2025: Reported out of Committee with a Do Pass recommendation and filed for second reading; subsequently returned to the Transportation & Defense Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 300 represents a significant step towards enhancing broadband infrastructure in Idaho by streamlining processes and encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders. By revising the Dig Once Policy, the bill aims to ensure that broadband expansion is integrated into roadway projects, ultimately benefiting the state's economy and connectivity.

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

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