New Jersey Assembly Bill AJR53

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Urges Congress and U.S. President to enact "Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act."

Impact

The proposed 'Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act' would effectively nullify certain actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that limit local discretion in broadband deployment. Specifically, these FCC actions were seen to preempt state and local regulations that could govern the aesthetic and operational considerations surrounding the construction of telecommunications infrastructure, which have become a point of contention as service providers, such as Verizon, seek to build numerous 5G towers across communities in New Jersey.

Summary

AJR53 is a joint resolution from the State of New Jersey urging Congress and the President to enact the 'Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act.' This legislation aims to restore and protect the rights of local governments to engage in the planning and implementation of broadband infrastructure, particularly in the context of deploying 5G telecommunications. The resolution signals a significant push for local input amid ongoing concerns about the rapid deployment of broadband infrastructure without adequate community consultation.

Conclusion

Overall, AJR53 reflects a growing awareness of the importance of local governance in the face of federal and state pushes towards rapid technological advancement in broadband infrastructure. The joint resolution represents an important dialogue about how to harmonize the need for technological growth with the rights of local stakeholders to influence the shaping of their environments.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding AJR53 concerns the balance between the expedited deployment of necessary telecommunications infrastructure and the rights of local communities to have a voice in how these infrastructures affect their neighborhoods. Proponents of the resolution argue for the necessity of local input, emphasizing that decisions regarding public space and infrastructure should consider the diverse concerns of residents. Conversely, some may argue that too much local regulation could impede the delivery of modern services essential for economic competitiveness.