This morning the Michigan House Energy & Technology Committee heard testimony on HB 5342, a bill that would allow Michigan State Police (MSP) communications towers to be used for public and private broadband expansion.

Currently the MSP towers are only available for public safety communications. This legislation would expand that access to both public and private entities for broadband.

There are ongoing discussions about the specifics of the language, and we expect the committee to take this bill up again next week.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy & technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected]