SB 5680-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that a moratorium is established on the imposition of new fees and fee increases by a railroad company upon a utility for the construction and placement of utility facilities in a railroad right-of-way, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

     Provides that, during the period of the moratorium, railroad companies may not require utilities to remove utility facilities from the railroad right-of-way solely because of a dispute between the parties concerning compensation for placement of utility facilities in the railroad right-of-way.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, railroad companies may only require relocation of utility facilities within the railroad right-of-way when such facilities cause interference with railroad operations or create a safety hazard.

     Creates a task force to study and make recommendations on designated issues related to the siting of utility facilities on, over, under, and along railroad rights-of-way.