Sec. 19.

(1) If the application of any provision of section 8 to a certain person is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, that provision and sections 3 and 15 shall not apply to any person.

(2) If section 15 does not apply under subsection (1), the permit process for access to and use of public rights-of-way shall be as follows:

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), a local unit of government shall grant a permit for access to and the ongoing use of all rights-of-way, easements, and public places under its control and jurisdiction to providers of telecommunication services.

(b) This section shall not limit a local unit of government's right to review and approve a provider's access to and ongoing use of a right-of-way, easement, or public place or limit the unit's authority to ensure and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

(c) A local unit of government shall approve or deny access under this section within 90 days from the date a provider files an application for a permit for access to a right-of-way, easement, or public place. A provider's right to access and use of a right-of-way, easement, or public place shall not be unreasonably denied by a local unit of government. A local unit of government may require as a condition of the permit that a bond be posted by the provider, which shall not exceed the reasonable cost, to ensure that the right-of-way, easement, or public place is returned to its original condition during and after the provider's access and use.

(d) Any conditions of a permit granted under this subsection shall be limited to the provider's access and usage of any right-of-way, easement, or public place.

(e) Any fees or assessments made under this subsection shall be on a nondiscriminatory basis and shall not exceed the fixed and variable costs to the local unit of government in granting a permit and maintaining the rights-of-way, easements, or public places used by a provider.

(f) A provider using the highways, streets, alleys, or other public places shall obtain a permit as required under this subsection.

(3) If section 15 does not apply under subsection (1), it is the intent of the legislature in enacting subsection (2) to return to the status quo prior to the effective date of this act for the granting of permits for access to and the use of all rights-of-way. Subsection (2) shall have the same construction and interpretation as sections 251 to 254 of the Michigan telecommunications act, 1991 PA 179, MCL 484.2251 to 484.2254, had prior to the repeal of these sections by this act.

(4) Except as provided under subsection (1), if any other provision or the application of any provision of this act to a certain person is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or application of a provision to other persons shall not be affected and will remain in full force and effect.

History: 2002, Act 48, Eff. Nov. 1, 2002