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House Bill 5 |
House Author: Ashby et al. |
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Effective: 6-15-21 |
Senate Sponsor: Nichols et al. |
House Bill 5 amends the Government Code to provide for the expansion of broadband Internet service in Texas. The bill establishes the broadband development office within the office of the comptroller of public accounts and tasks the broadband development office with preparing, updating, and publishing a state broadband plan; serving as a repository for information relating to broadband service and digital connectivity in Texas and engaging in community outreach; creating, annually updating, and publishing a broadband development map to classify areas in Texas as eligible for broadband expansion assistance; and establishing a broadband development program to award grants, low‑interest loans, and other financial incentives to applicants in the areas classified as eligible for assistance on the map for the purpose of broadband expansion. The bill establishes the broadband development account within the general revenue fund as a source of funding for the broadband development office.
House Bill 5 revises provisions relating to the governor's broadband development council to change the council's composition, provide for the alternation of the position of chair and vice chair between members that are from urban and rural counties, increase transparency regarding council meetings, provide for the council's meetings to be held remotely, and expand the council's duties.