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Committee approves provision to create a new rate subclass to spur broadband buildout
Summary
Senate Bill 11 22, presented by Senator Hall, would add a new subclass for public service corporations and set an assessment rate intended to encourage expansion of high-speed broadband into areas lacking commercial incentives. The committee passed the bill 7–0.
Senate Bill 11 22 cleared the Senate Committee on Technology and Telecommunications on Monday after a brief presentation by Senator Hall and limited questioning. The committee recorded 7 ayes and 0 nays.
Senator Hall said the bill “adds a new subclass to public service corporations and [an] assessment rate for a new” category intended to lower fees and encourage buildout of high-speed broadband to areas where providers lack a business model to invest. When asked whether the bill’s intent was to lower fees, Hall responded that the intent is to “encourage a build out of infrastructure for high speed broadband service in some of those areas where otherwise these providers just don't have a business model to go into these areas.”
A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded; the committee passed SB 11 22 7–0 and declared the bill passed out of committee. No amendment or further debate was recorded on the bill in the committee transcript.
Committee members listed on the roll call included Senator Boren, Senator Bullard, Senator Gillespie, Senator Hicks, Senator Rosino, Vice Chair Yek and Chair Seifert.
Sponsors said additional implementation details — including the exact assessment rate and administrative steps to establish the subclass — will be handled in subsequent drafting and rulemaking as the bill proceeds.
