Massachusetts H3462: An Act relative to municipal authority in public rights of way

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Section 1. Section 34B of chapter 164 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding at the end thereof the following:- The owner of said pole shall allow municipalities to access data through the National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS) or any additional or successor pole management systems. When feasible, new poles shall be installed in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations (521 CMR). Any disruption to public infrastructure shall be brought to a state of good repair standard. In the event that a pole, wire or attachment is not removed within the required 90 days or the agreed upon timeframe, municipalities may move, relocate or remove utility poles, wires or attachments, or arrange for another party to move, relocate or remove utility poles, wires and attachments. Owners of such poles may be charged for said removal or relocation by a city or town. In the event that overdue removal of existing poles causes delays to associated municipal projects, municipalities may further charge owners of such poles for the total costs incurred due to such a delay and a reasonable administration fee. In the event of circumstances outside of the pole owners’ and attachees’ control, including work stoppages …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Michelle Ciccolo (D, 15th Middlesex) · primary sponsor
• James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)

Latest actions

1. April 6, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5323
2. December 4, 2025: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
3. September 8, 2025: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025
4. June 5, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 06/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
5. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
6. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Common questions

What is H3462?

H3462 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to municipal authority in public rights of way.

What is the status of H3462?

Failed as of April 6, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5323 (April 6, 2026).

Who sponsored H3462?

Michelle Ciccolo (D, 15th Middlesex), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H3462?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3462