WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Governor signs Rep. Morris telecommunications bill

On the final day to sign legislation passed during the regular legislative session, Governor Inslee approved a bill by Representative Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) that will expedite regulatory review on new 4g upgrades to cellular towers and antennas.

House Bill 1183 updates Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act review process regarding wireless structures, exempting those that are constructed atop existing buildings and commercial or industrial areas. This change will make the permitting process easier, reducing the regulatory burden for telecommunications companies.

“It’s been nearly a decade since Washington did major work on our wireless infrastructure,” noted Morris. “By signing this bill, Governor Inslee has ensured a step forward in the amount of capital investment wireless providers are making in our state.”

The legislation also includes limitations designed to minimize physical change to the structure and prevent any environmental degradation. Under the new law, a wireless structure may not increase the height of the structure by more than 10 percent or 20 feet, or protrude out more than 20 feet.

“This is a smart, environmentally safe update to our law that will ensure we have the physical network of towers and antennas necessary to support modern wireless services,” said Morris.

The law will go into effect July 27, 2013.