Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.
Impact
The bill's enactment is expected to lead to stronger safeguards for essential services and facilities that are crucial for public welfare. By expanding the definition of 'critical infrastructure' to include modern communication technologies, the law acknowledges the importance of these systems in today's interconnected society. This change is likely to facilitate more effective responses to threats faced by these assets, particularly in the context of state-declared disasters, improving overall preparedness and resilience.
Summary
House Bill 7173 aims to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure by incorporating broadband, internet, and wireless systems into the legal framework concerning the injury of electric and communication lines. The bill gives municipalities the power to grant zoning relief explicitly to protect these vulnerable infrastructures from threats such as vandalism, trespass, theft, and damage caused by climate change. It seeks to update existing laws to address modern challenges, especially given the growing reliance on technology in various sectors.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 7173 appears to be supportive among those advocating for enhanced protections for critical infrastructure. Proponents believe that the bill reflects a necessary evolution in legislation to meet contemporary needs. However, concerns may be raised about the balance of power between local governments and state authorities regarding zoning decisions, as municipalities are granted additional responsibilities and powers in this regard.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding this bill include the implications for local governance and the allocation of resources to enforce these new provisions. Critics might argue about potential overreach or the adequacy of the measures put in place to ensure that zoning relief is applied appropriately and equitably. The specifics of how municipalities will navigate these changes, particularly in terms of when zoning relief is granted and the conditions deemed appropriate, could become a focal point for debate.
Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.
Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.
Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).
Required public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.
Requires single-family residential zoning in municipalities with populations of over forty-thousand (40,000) to allow middle housing and mandates that those municipalities adopt zoning regulations for middle housing.
Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.