Texas Legislature Passes Small Telco USF Bill

Texas legislators unanimously supported extending a Sept. 1 sunset on USF support for small telcos until Sept. 1, 2033. The House voted 145-0 Wednesday for SB-1425 after the Senate last month voted 31-0. The bill still needs a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott (R). On Tuesday, the House passed a broadband bill (SB-1238) with amendments in a 132-7 vote. It would update Texas laws to declare a fiber preference and otherwise prepare for incoming federal dollars from NTIA’s broadband, equity, access and deployment program. Texas House members last week showed wide support for a constitutional amendment to create a state broadband fund (see 2304270056). The Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative applauded SB-1425 passage. "TSTCI appreciates the legislature’s efforts to keep a methodology in place that promotes accountability, and regulatory efficiency, in determining and adjusting [Texas USF] distributions to this segment of the industry," said TSTCI President Allen Hyer.