2011 Senate Bill 499 / 2012 Public Act 138

Authorize use of “rails-to-trails” for telecom lines and equipment

Introduced in the Senate

June 16, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To authorize the installation of phone company or other providers’ telecommunications equipment on state “rails-to-trails” land, right-of-ways, etc.

Referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy, and Technology

Dec. 14, 2011

Reported without amendment

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

Jan. 31, 2012

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that adds fees for telecom providers' use of the trails.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Feb. 1, 2012

Passed in the Senate 36 to 1 (details)

To authorize the installation of phone company or other providers’ telecommunications equipment on state “rails-to-trails” land, right-of-ways, etc. Providers would have to pay the state a one-time fee based the how much distance is covered by any cables.

Received in the House

Feb. 1, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

March 6, 2012

Reported without amendment

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

May 1, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Ken Horn (R-94)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details of the proposed rules and fees.

The substitute passed by voice vote

May 2, 2012

Passed in the House 100 to 9 (details)

To authorize the installation of phone company or other providers’ telecommunications equipment on state “rails-to-trails” land, right-of-ways, etc. Providers would have to pay the state a one-time fee based the how much distance is covered by any cables.

Received in the Senate

May 3, 2012

May 10, 2012

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

May 22, 2012