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S 4902

Requires cell towers to be equipped with a back-up power source in case of a power outage

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 4902 mandates back-up power sources for cell towers, ensuring reliable communication during outages, enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities.

COMMITTED TO RULES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4902

Summary of Bill S 4902

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 4902
  • Title: Requires cell towers to be equipped with a back-up power source in case of a power outage
  • Status: Committed to Rules
  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 4902 is to enhance the reliability of cellular communication during power outages. By mandating that all cell towers be equipped with a back-up power source, the bill aims to ensure continuous service availability, which is critical for public safety, emergency response, and everyday communication.

Key Provisions

  • Back-Up Power Requirement: The bill stipulates that all cell towers must have a reliable back-up power source. This could include generators, battery systems, or other forms of energy storage that can maintain operations during electrical outages.
  • Implementation Timeline: While specific deadlines for compliance are not detailed in the provided information, the bill's progression through legislative stages suggests that implementation timelines may be established during further discussions.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The bill may require the relevant regulatory bodies to develop guidelines for the installation and maintenance of these back-up power systems.

Affected Parties

  • Telecommunication Companies: Providers of cellular services will be directly impacted as they will need to invest in and implement the necessary infrastructure to comply with the new requirements.
  • Consumers: The general public will benefit from increased reliability of cellular services, particularly during emergencies when power outages are more likely to occur.
  • Emergency Services: First responders and emergency management agencies will have improved communication capabilities during critical situations, enhancing public safety efforts.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
  • April 28, 2025: The bill was reported for the first time (1st Report Cal. 706).
  • April 29, 2025: The bill advanced to the second report calendar.
  • April 30, 2025: The bill advanced to a third reading.
  • June 13, 2025: The bill was committed to the Rules Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

  • S 8893: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
  • S 695: Another prior-session bill that could have implications for telecommunications infrastructure.
  • S 2996: A previous bill that may have relevance to the current legislative context.
  • A 2670: A companion bill in the Assembly that aligns with the objectives of S 4902.

Conclusion

Bill S 4902 represents a significant step towards ensuring that cellular communication remains operational during power outages. By requiring back-up power sources for cell towers, the bill seeks to bolster public safety and enhance the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details regarding implementation and compliance will likely emerge.

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

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