Local Government Provision Of Communications Services

Concerning the elimination of the requirement that a local government obtain voter approval to provide certain communications services.

Bill Summary

The act:

• Eliminates the requirement that a local government hold an election before providing or before operating a facility to provide cable television, telecommunications, or broadband internet services to subscribers;

• Eliminates the requirement that a local government hold an election to enter into a private partnership to allow a private provider to use local government facilities in connection with the private provider offering cable television service, telecommunications service, broadband internet service, or middle mile infrastructure; and

• Specifies that a local government may provide middle mile infrastructure, which is broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user location.

APPROVED by Governor May 1, 2023

EFFECTIVE May 1, 2023

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)