This bill modifies Minnesota's broadband grant program for lower-population-density areas by increasing the state's matching contribution from 75% to 90% of project costs. It directly affects broadband providers and local entities applying for grants under Section 116J.3952 of Minnesota Statutes. The key change simplifies funding by raising the state's share, reducing the required local contribution. The amendment takes effect August 1, 2025.
HF 103 prohibits Minnesota government entities (like police or local agencies) from requesting or obtaining "reverse-location data" (information tracking device locations, such as cell tower pings or GPS) without a court order, except during declared emergencies. It bans using such data in criminal cases, prevents courts from issuing related orders, and stops government entities from seeking this data through informal requests. The bill also allows individuals to sue if government entities improperly obtain this location data. This directly affects law enforcement, government agencies, and tech companies holding location information.
SF 1384 modifies Minnesota's rules for permitting small wireless facilities (like 5G cell equipment) in public rights-of-way. It requires local governments to process permit applications without asking for redundant information, to provide clear 300-foot notice to nearby property owners before installation (including "NOTICE OF 5G TOWER CONSTRUCTION" in bold), and to allow consolidated applications for up to 15 facilities within a two-mile radius. The bill prohibits local fees for routine maintenance or minor replacements of existing facilities and mandates nondiscriminatory review. This directly affects telecom companies installing small wireless infrastructure and local governments managing public rights-of-way.
HF 175 exempts fiber and conduit purchased or leased by broadband and internet service providers for use in delivering retail broadband or internet access services from Minnesota's sales and use taxes. This bill directly affects broadband providers in Minnesota who buy these materials for network infrastructure. The key provision adds a new tax exemption to Minnesota Statutes, specifically covering fiber and conduit used in the provision of broadband services to end customers. The exemption applies to purchases made after July 1, 2025.
SF 2045, the "Equal Access to Broadband Act establishment provision," defines key terms and creates a framework for improving broadband access in Minnesota. It establishes the Office of Broadband Development and clarifies definitions including "broadband" (100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload), "underserved areas" (lacking minimum speeds), and "broadband infrastructure." The bill preserves local government authority over right-of-way management for providers while requiring coordination with municipalities to minimize future relocations of infrastructure. This legislation primarily sets the groundwork for future broadband initiatives by standardizing terminology and governance structures.
This bill amends Minnesota law to expand the criminal offense of damaging or stealing telecommunications equipment to explicitly include broadband and cable services. It adds "broadband services, cable services, radio transmitters and receivers, satellite equipment, microwave equipment, and other transporting media including wire, cable, fiber, poles, and conduit" to the list of protected infrastructure under Minnesota Statutes §609.593. The law now covers equipment used for transmitting or transporting these services, such as routers, fiber lines, and poles. This change directly affects anyone who intentionally damages or removes such infrastructure without authorization. The policy update ensures existing penalties for damaging telecom equipment apply to modern broadband and cable systems.
