Missouri Governor Revives Cell Tower Legislation

On March 20, 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed into law SB 650, which is designed to expand broadband and wireless service throughout the state by limiting the ability of local authorities to place certain requirements or restrictions on wireless facility siting applications. Most of the new bill’s provisions, along with three other bills relating to  telecommunications (SB 649, SB 651 and SB 653) passed on the same day, were part of two bills enacted by Governor Nixon in July 2013.

Those earlier laws were enjoined in August 2013 on state constitutional grounds, pursuant to a law suit filed by several Missouri municipalities, as we previously reported. SB 650, along with the other newly enacted bills, is expected to moot the existing lawsuit. Given the widespread municipal opposition to the revived legislation, it remains to be seen what challenge may be mounted against the new law. We will keep you updated.