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Panel advances bill to let government entities apply for federal broadband funds
Summary
Senator Davis said SB150 would lift state restrictions so local and state governments can apply (alone or in partnership) for USDA broadband grants and loans; he cited Arkansas’ low ranking on broadband access and said an emergency clause is needed because roughly $1.2 billion in federal funds are first-come, first-served.
Senator Davis presented Senate Bill 150 to the Insurance & Commerce committee, saying the bill removes state-level restrictions that have prevented government entities from applying for federal broadband programs. "Arkansas currently ranks 48 in access to broadband," Davis said, and "approximately 40% of our citizens do not have access to broadband as defined by the FCC." He told the committee that lifting the restriction would…
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