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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 allow counties and cities to apply — alone or through public-private partnerships — to pursue USDA loans and grants.
Davis said federal programs currently have significant funding available and urged an emergency clause because some USDA programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. "We heard yesterday that there is $1,200,000,000 available through the USDA right now, through loans or grants, for state entities to apply and bring broadband to their areas," he said.
Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would support specific rural areas and about broadband definitions and speed thresholds used by the FCC. Senator Teague expressed concern that the bill lacks a fixed definition of broadband and referenced the FCC's 25 megabits-per-second benchmark for some programs. Sponsor and supporters said the bill would enable eligible public entities to compete for multiple USDA programs and that program rules would determine minimum speed requirements.
Senator Chesterfield moved a 'do pass' motion and Senator Teague seconded. The committee voice-voted in favor and the chair reported the bill as passed out of committee. The transcript records the voice 'aye' and the chair's confirmation that the bill passed; a full roll-call tally is not included in the record.
