SENATE BILL REPORT
SCR 8410
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Economic Development & Telecommunications, February 28, 2001
Brief Description: Studying wireless communication.
Sponsors: Senators T. Sheldon, Rossi and B. Sheldon.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development & Telecommunications: 2/20/01, 2/28/01 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8410 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.
Signed by Senators T. Sheldon, Chair; B. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Brown, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Haugen, Rossi and Stevens.
Staff: William Bridges (786‑7424)
Background: In 1996, Congress enacted the Telecommunications Act to rapidly accelerate private sector deployment of advanced telecommunications to all Americans. Among other things, the act prohibits a state or local government from effectively prohibiting the provision of wireless telecommunications services; however, reasonable zoning moratoria are permitted. In August 1998, the Federal Communications Commission's Local and State Government Advisory Committee issued moratoria guidelines for the siting of wireless telecommunications facilities. These guidelines encourage expeditious cooperation between local governments and wireless providers and establish a non-binding alternative dispute resolution procedure to resolve differences.
Some wireless service providers are concerned that local governments are increasingly using moratoria to impede the deployment of wireless facilities. This is a particular concern for those companies planning to deploy third generation wireless systems which are designed to provide mobile, high‑speed access to the Internet and other broadband services.
Summary of Substitute Bill: A joint study group is created composed of two members from the Senate and two members from the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate must appoint the Senate members and the Co-Speakers of the House of Representatives must appoint the House members.
The joint study group will investigate the possible use of siting moratoria as an impediment to the deployment of wireless services in the state. The group may also review other issues related to the deployment of wireless services in the state. By January 1, 2002, the group must make recommendations concerning the ways the state, local governments, and the private sector can work cooperatively to facilitate the rapid deployment of wireless services in the state.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Study group membership is expanded to include two members from the Senate and two members from the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate appoints the Senate members and the Co‑Speakers of the House appoint the House members. The study group will investigate the possible use of siting moratoria as an impediment to deploying wireless services in the state. The group shall report its study results and recommendations to the Senate Economic Development and Telecommunications Committee and the House Technology, Telecommunications, and Energy Committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: No one.