Transportation (Local Government)

HB 950 allows Maryland counties and municipalities to acquire street lighting equipment currently owned by electric companies through purchase or condemnation. It authorizes local governments to convert to customer-owned street lighting tariffs, contract for electricity and maintenance separately, and resolve disputes with utilities through the Public Service Commission. The bill defines key terms like "street lighting equipment" (including all infrastructure for street lighting except joint-use poles) and establishes a method to calculate the equipment's value for purchase. This directly affects local governments seeking greater control over street lighting costs, maintenance, and efficiency upgrades.