Utah, Virginia Legislators Pass Broadband Bills

The Utah legislature passed a broadband bill that would affect how the state will consider spending federal infrastructure dollars. The House voted 74-0 Wednesday for SB-214, which the Senate passed 27-9 last week. At a House Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday, Sen. Chris Wilson (R) said his bill would ensure coming federal dollars will be spent appropriately by setting up a commission of legislators, executive branch and other public sector officials to advise the Utah Broadband Center as it develops plans required by the federal infrastructure law. The committee cleared the bill unanimously by voice. In Virginia, the Senate voted 40-0 Tuesday for the House-passed HB-445 to direct the state housing department to study local and state policies and laws to spur broadband expansion in new residential and commercial development (see 2202280048). Also, the Senate voted 33-7 to concur with House changes to SB-716 to craft a broadband affordability plan.