Sponsor
Christopher Henry Smith
Representative · R-NJ
Representative · R-NJ
The bill preserves local control and aesthetic/zoning authority over telecom siting but risks slowing broadband buildout, raising costs, and creating regulatory uncertainty that could deter investment and worsen coverage for underserved communities.
State and local governments retain authority over siting and permitting for wireless and wireline infrastructure, preserving local control and protecting local aesthetic and zoning standards residents value.
Broadband deployment could be slowed by removing or rolling back federal streamlining rules for cell sites and small cells, delaying expanded coverage and modern network buildout.
Carriers may face higher costs and permitting delays, which could lead to higher consumer prices and worse coverage in underserved areas.
Restoring federal-state jurisdiction could create regulatory uncertainty for telecommunications companies and investors, deterring investment in network upgrades and expansion.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes the legal effect of two FCC actions (83 Fed. Reg. 51867 and FCC 18-111), restoring state and local control over broadband siting rules.
Nullifies specific FCC actions that limited state and local authority over broadband infrastructure siting and related rules, restoring the legal effect of state and local government control in those areas. It strips force and effect from the FCC rulings published at 83 Fed. Reg. 51867 and FCC 18-111, thereby negating the federal orders that removed certain local barriers to infrastructure deployment.
Official title: To provide that certain actions by the Federal Communications Commission shall have no force or effect.
Introduced April 16, 2026 by Christopher Henry Smith · Last progress April 16, 2026