Good News for Electric Cooperatives as State Legislatures Correct Obstructive Laws

Legislative changes are helping electric cooperatives continue to expand high-quality Internet access in rural parts of America. At least three state governments have bills in the works that empower cooperatives to provide high-speed Internet service in their service territories. Gov Brian Kemp (R-GA) recently signed into law SB 2 and SB 17, which clarify that both electric and telephone cooperatives are able to provide broadband service. Gov Larry Hogan (R-MD) has just approved SB 634 which similarly underscores how electric cooperatives can use their easements to provide broadband. Meanwhile in Alabama, HB 400 will codify in existing law that electric cooperatives have the ability to offer broadband service and that their easements are valid for that use.