JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House Utilities Committee passed a package of bills backed by the telecommunications industry that opponents argue would weaken the authority of some municipalities.

With almost no opposition, the House moved Senate bills 649, 650, 652, 652, and 653. The package of bills, sponsored by Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, aims to streamline the regulatory process for communications companies hoping to expand their wireless services, particularly as more and more Missourians want increased amounts of data on their smartphones and other mobile devices.

Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, added an amendment to the SB 653 that was weakened some of its provisions to make it more agreeable for municipalities, which opposed the larger package. During the committee, Rehder said the amendment was satisfactory to cities and the utilities.

The five bills, carried by Lager, are similar to a legislative package that was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon last year, but was struck down by a Missouri court on a technicality.