House concurs in Senate amendments to communications tax and right-of-way language

The House agreed on the floor to the Senate's proposal of amendment to House Bill 657, legislation intended to modernize taxes and fees related to communications infrastructure.

Member from Craftsberry told the House the Ways and Means Committee reviewed the Senate amendment and said section 10 narrows the definition of "communications property," distinguishing it from business personal property. The member said language that would have moved immediately to a fee structure for the state right of way was replaced by a requirement that the Secretary of Transportation conduct an inventory, study and report with recommendations about whether and how to proceed with an assessment or lease for use of the state right of way.

Member from More Town said the Environment and Energy Committee also reviewed the amendment, heard from a senator, and recommended concurrence.

Outcome: The presiding officer put the question and the House voted by voice to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment to H.657. Committees reported in favor and requested the body's support. The change replaces an immediate fee implementation approach with further study and reporting to inform any future policy decisions.

Attribution: Committee summaries delivered on the floor were the basis for this account.