2019 House Bill 4266 / 2020 Public Act 60

Revise certain electric cooperative easement restrictions

Introduced in the House

Feb. 26, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Triston Cole (R-105)

To create a "rebuttable presumption" that certain changes in the use of a utility easement by an electric cooperative are allowed if they do not violate the easement terms or unreasonably or materially increase the burden on the land (and landowner) subject to the easement, as defined more specifically in the bill. This is said to facilitate these entities entering the broadband internet service business. See also House Bill 5266, which requires these cooperatives to give video, broadband, wireless service or other telecommunication providers access to their utility poles with reasonable rates, terms, and conditions.

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

Dec. 11, 2019

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Jan. 15, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 22, 2020

Passed in the House 105 to 1 (details)

Received in the Senate

Jan. 23, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

Feb. 19, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 27, 2020

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To create a "rebuttable presumption" that certain changes in the use of a utility easement by an electric cooperative are allowed if they do not violate the easement terms or unreasonably or materially increase the burden on the land (and landowner) subject to the easement, as defined more specifically in the bill. This is said to facilitate these entities entering the broadband internet service business. See also House Bill 5266, which requires these cooperatives to give video, broadband, wireless service or other telecommunication providers access to their utility poles with reasonable rates, terms, and conditions.

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

March 10, 2020