HB 1258 (Kilgore) and SB 405 (McDougle) substantially limit the ability of local-elected officials to determine how wireless infrastructure is incorporated into their communities, and effectively remove citizen input from decisions on the siting of towers and poles.
Action Required – Please adopt a resolution in opposition to HB 1258 and SB 405. Here’s a template of a resolution counties may use. Please send a copy of your resolutions to Dean Lynch at dlynch@vaco.org.
HB 1258 will be heard in the House Commerce and Labor Committee while SB 405 will be heard in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
Talking Points
- Localities should not be stripped of their ability to determine how wireless towers and poles can be accommodated within their landscape.
- Restrictions on how much localities can charge for applications will place a fiscal burden on government operations.
- A “one-size-fits-all” approach is unnecessary. Wireless service providers can, and do, find solutions working with local governments and their citizens for the siting of towers and poles.
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP