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Committee hears HB 650 to limit private‑activity broadband bonds to unserved areas; bill tabled
Summary
Rep. Caleb Hinkle told the House Energy committee HB 650 would expressly allow private industry activity bonds to fund broadband in unserved and underserved parts of Montana while protecting private providers from taxpayer‑backed overbuilding. Supporters said the bill directs scarce financing to where it’s needed; opponents raised market‑distortion and financial risk concerns. The committee later voted to table the bill.
Representative Caleb Hinkle opened testimony for House Bill 650, saying the bill clarifies state law to explicitly permit private‑industry activity bonds for broadband projects in unserved and underserved communities and to prevent taxpayer‑backed financing from being used to overbuild areas already served by private providers. “Montanans deserve access to reliable, high‑speed internet no matter where they live,” Hinkle said, adding the measure aims to focus public financing where the market has not delivered.
Industry witnesses and policy groups urged…
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