Pa. House Passes Broadband Inventory Bill

The Pennsylvania House voted 109-91 for a broadband bill to order an inventory of state-owned assets (see 2106150076). SB-442 would also create a restricted account in the general fund for deploying broadband to unserved and underserved areas, funded by revenue from leases and licenses allowed by the bill, said a fiscal summary: If enacted, the bill would provide about $37,000 annually to the account. Republicans cast all the yes votes Wednesday, with only two joining Democrats in voting no. The Senate passed SB-442 last year in a 27-20 vote that broke on similar party lines, but the chamber must vote again to agree to House changes.