State Regulations

State-level small cell deployment laws play a crucial role in facilitating the expansion of wireless networks by creating more predictable and streamlined processes for telecom companies. For the most current and detailed information, please refer to the specific laws and regulations in your state. While state laws may streamline the deployment process, there are still avenues for community members to express their concerns and influence decisions about specific installations.

State-Level Small Cell Deployment Laws

In 2017, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) passed a resolution designed to facilitate the buildout of 5G. Since then, many states have passed 5G laws that follow the tenants of the ALEC resolution, streamlining local zoning regulations to accelerate small cell deployments. States have been motivated by pressure from industry and the FCC, consumer demand and concerns about falling behind in technological innovation and economic competitiveness.

By 2022, more that 30 states had passed legislation aimed at streamlining the deployment of 5G, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):

1. Arizona — Arizona SB 1214
2. Arkansas — Arkansas HB 1874
3. Colorado — Colorado HB 17-1193
4. Connecticut — Connecticut HB 7152
5. Delaware — Delaware HB 189
6. Florida — Florida HB 687
7. Georgia — Georgia SB 426
8. Hawaii — Hawaii HB 2651
9. Illinois — Illinois SB 1451
10. Indiana — Indiana SB 213
11. Iowa — Iowa SF 431
12. Kansas — Kansas HB 2131
13. Maine
14. Michigan
15. Minnesota — Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 237
16. Missouri — Missouri HB 1991
17. Montana
18. Nevada
19. New Mexico
20. North Carolina — North Carolina SB 310
21. Ohio — Ohio HB 478
22. Oklahoma — Oklahoma SB 1388
23. Rhode Island
24. Tennessee — Tennessee HB 2279
25. Texas — Texas HB 2838
26. Utah — Utah SB 189
27. Vermont — Vermont HB513
28. Virginia — Virginia SB 1282
29. West Virginia
30. Wisconsin — Wisconsin Act 14