Governor Abbott Signs Bills Expanding High-Speed Internet Access in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott last week signed bills HB 5 and SB 507, along with several other broadband-related measures, to establish new approaches to expanding broadband access, adoption and use across Texas. Under current law, telecommunications utilities are able to access rights-of-way through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). However, broadband-only companies are not considered utilities and would have to enter in and pay a lease to build infrastructure. SB 507 directs TxDOT to adopt rules to allow broadband-only providers to use state rights-of-way in the same manner that other utilities currently enjoy, while HB 5 is focused on this bigger picture; it directs officials to establish a State Broadband Plan and a State Broadband Office, which will be overseen by the Comptroller of Public Accounts office and a Board of Advisors. It also requires the development of an Infrastructure Funding Program and a State Broadband Map.