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HB 695

Establish pole attachment rules and enforcement

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Brewster

HB 695 would have established Montana's rules for utility pole attachments to facilitate broadband infrastructure deployment, but died in committee without advancing.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 695

Legislative bill overview

HB 695 sought to establish rules and enforcement mechanisms governing the attachment of equipment (such as cables, antennas, and other infrastructure) to utility poles in Montana. The bill would have created standards for how telecommunications, electric, and other companies can use poles owned by utilities, along with procedures for dispute resolution and regulatory oversight.

Why is this important

Pole attachment regulations directly affect broadband expansion costs and rural connectivity. Clear rules can reduce barriers to deploying telecommunications infrastructure, while vague standards can lead to disputes that delay service improvements. This issue is particularly relevant for Montana's rural areas where pole attachment agreements significantly impact the feasibility of expanding high-speed internet access.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation disputes: Disagreement over who bears the costs of pole modifications, inspections, and maintenance when multiple attachers use the same poles
  • Access vs. property rights: Tension between compelling utilities to grant attachment access (which supports competition) and protecting utility companies' control over their infrastructure
  • Regulatory authority: Questions about whether state-level rules should supersede federal FCC regulations on pole attachments, or how they should coordinate

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

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