Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Ways and Means - Discussion of H.657 Modernize Vermont’s Communications Taxes and Fees

Description

Discussion of H.657 a bill meant to modernize Vermont's communications taxes and fees at the House Committee on Ways and Means.

On Tuesday, Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins presented an amendment from the House Energy & Environment Committee to H.657, the telecommunications modernization bill that originated in House Ways & Means. The amendment would make changes to the Right of Way fees that are assessed to communication service providers (CSPs) who make use of poles and pole attachments in the State Right of Way. Utility companies and VELCO would be exempt. CSPs would be required to submit an inventory of poles, pole attachments, and linear footage of lines they use, annually, and pay fees associated for the same that would go into the Transportation Fund. HWM voted favorably on the amendment 10-0-2.

H.657 Amendment:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Ways%20and%20Means/Bills/H.657/H.657~Gabrielle%20Stebbins~Stebbins%20Amendment~3-26-2024.pdf