Broadband Bills Clear Legislatures in Several States

Broadband bills advanced in several states this week. The Arizona legislature passed a bill (HB-2596) authorizing the state transportation department to install telecom facilities on highways. The House voted 60-0 to concur with the Senate, which voted 30-0. The Ohio House voted 91-4 to concur with the Senate on a proposal (HB-2) to set up a $20 million state grant program for residential expansion, allow electric cooperative easements to be used for broadband, and set up a process for granting telecom companies access to electric co-op poles. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) received a bill (SB-297) from the legislature to set up an infrastructure funding program using American Rescue Plan Act and state funding. Lawmakers also sent him a bill (HB-181) to redirect 25% of $1 million in annual school technology funding to a state matching fund for the federal E-rate broadband program, and a measure (SB-81) to require prepaid wireless to collect state 911 fees.