SF 4727

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/08/2024 10:16am

A bill for an act
relating to telecommunications; imposing a moratorium to complete a study on
the health, environmental, and economic effects of 5G technology; requiring a
report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MORATORIUM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Moratorium. new text end

new text begin A moratorium is imposed on the final approval of
applications for right-of-way and small wireless facility permits under Minnesota Statutes,
section 237.163, and on the approval of utility construction permits and obstruction permits
required to install a small wireless facility. The moratorium is for a period of one year
beginning the day following final enactment of this section in order to conduct a study
related to the health, economic, and environmental effects of 5th generation and next
generation technology ("5G"). The moratorium does not affect previously completed small
wireless facilities. An agency must continue to receive and review applications, but must
not approve or issue permits during the moratorium.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of health must compile the report
required under this subdivision. The commissioner of health must conduct a comprehensive
study and evaluation regarding the health risks associated with 5G, including but not limited
to the potential biological effects of electromagnetic radiation at higher frequencies. The
commissioner must solicit input from affected or interested members of the public. The
commissioner must view completed peer-reviewed research done in the United States and
other countries.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of revenue, in collaboration with the commissioner of health,
must evaluate the effects of 5G and tower placement on property values, specifically the
potential devaluation of property values.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of natural resources, in collaboration with the commissioner of
health, must study the impacts of 5G on the environment and wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner of commerce must study the availability of adequate liability
insurance for right-of-way users to protect against lawsuits that result from the adverse
health or medical impacts of 5G technology. The commissioner of commerce must, in
collaboration with the League of Minnesota Cities, develop a model ordinance after
researching and evaluating best practices and ordinances in Minnesota and other states.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report due date. new text end

new text begin The report containing the findings and recommendations
must be completed and submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care policy, local government, and
environmental issues by December 1, 2024.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Action based on report findings. new text end

new text begin If the report under subdivision 3 finds that
5G technology results in adverse health effects and risks, the state may require that all 5G
installations cease until the state develops a comprehensive policy to reduce the health
effects and risks.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to applications for right-of-way or small wireless facility permits filed or received
on or after that date.
new text end