Senate committee advances bill letting local improvement districts finance broadband

Representative Feige presented House Bill 17‑88 to the committee as a measure to expand broadband access statewide by amending statutes that govern improvement districts. Dylan Lofton (law clerk, Association of Arkansas Counties) explained the bill creates two pathways: existing improvement‑party entities would get explicit authority to contract for and finance broadband through public‑private partnerships, and parties could also form a broadband improvement district with additional negotiated powers allowing a private actor to construct, finance and provide service.

Lofton cited Arkansas’ low rankings on broadband access and connectivity and emphasized the bill is technology neutral, supporting fiber, wireless and future methods. Committee members questioned whether municipal utilities that already provide broadband would be included; Representative Feige said municipal providers are not included in this bill and that a separate bill is expected to address them. No members of the public signed up to testify for or against the measure.

Senator Johnson moved to pass HB17‑88, Senator Henry seconded, and the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

Supporters said the bill provides statutory clarity so improvement districts can seek grants and enter public‑private partnerships to expand broadband, while opponents were not recorded during the hearing. The committee’s approval sends the bill forward for further legislative action.