H 3458 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to double poles

This bill (HD 161) requires utility companies (like electricity or telephone providers) to remove old poles within 180 days of installing new ones. If they miss this deadline, they face escalating daily fines starting at $10/day, increasing to $100/day until removal is complete - except for long-term construction projects (over 1 year), which get a 12-month deadline. The bill also mandates companies notify other pole users 72 hours before work and allows municipalities to fine users who delay removal by not clearing their wires. Companies can request relief from fines, but fines cannot be added to customer rates without regulatory approval. The bill does not change pole design but clarifies timelines and penalties for pole replacement work.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Apr 6, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tackey Chan
Tackey Chan
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Norfolk