Enrolled Bill Summary

House Joint Resolution 125	House Author:  Ashby et al.
For Election:  11-7-23	Senate Sponsor:  Huffman et al.

            House Joint Resolution 125 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to create the broadband infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund to be administered by the comptroller of public accounts. The fund is to be used, without further appropriation, for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services, including the following:

·        the development, construction, reconstruction, and expansion of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure or services;

·        the operation of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure;

·        the provision of broadband and telecommunications services; and

·        the reasonable expenses of administering and managing the investments of the fund.

The proposed amendment takes effect January 1, 2024, and expires September 1, 2035, unless extended by adoption of a concurrent resolution approved by a record vote of two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature. Such a resolution suspends that expiration date until September 1 of the 10th year following the adoption of the resolution.