Massachusetts H5290: An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure

What the bill says

From the introduced text, March 25, 2026:

SECTION 1. Chapter 166 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after Section 25B the following new section: Section 25C: Expedited Permitting, Access to Broadband Infrastructure, and Open Access Networks (a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to accelerate broadband deployment across the Commonwealth, ensure fair and equitable access to critical infrastructure, prioritize open access network models, and establish best practices for efficient permitting and construction processes. (b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 1. Broadband infrastructure: Equipment or facilities necessary for broadband delivery, including poles, conduits, manholes, and wireless systems. 2. Broadband provider: Any entity engaged in deploying broadband services, including public, private, and non-profit organizations. 3. Covered infrastructure: Poles, conduits, manholes, and other facilities essential to broadband deployment. 4. Legacy right-of-way agreement: Any pre-existing agreement granting exclusive use of infrastructure to a single entity. 5. Open access network: A broadband network model in which physical infrastructure is shared by multiple service providers to promote competition, reduce deployment costs, and ensure equitable access to high-speed internet services. (c) Commonwealth Priority for Open Access Networks. 1. The Commonwealth shall prioritize investment in and deployment of open access networks to ensure broadband infrastructure can support multiple service providers on fair and equitable …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kip Diggs (D, 2nd Barnstable)
• Puppolo, Jr., Angelo J. (D, 12th Hampden)
• John Keenan (D, Norfolk and Plymouth)
• Bruce Ayers (D)
• Christopher Hendricks (D)
• Vanna Howard (D, 17th Middlesex)
• Bud Williams (D, 11th Hampden)

Latest actions

1. March 25, 2026: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
2. March 25, 2026: New draft of H3478 and H3546
3. March 25, 2026: Reported from the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (March 18, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H5290?

H5290 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure.

What is the status of H5290?

In committee as of March 25, 2026. Latest action: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (March 25, 2026).

Who sponsored H5290?

Kip Diggs (D, 2nd Barnstable), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H5290?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5290