An update from the Gold Dome – February 1, 2019

This week House Bills 22 and 23 were passed out of the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee. An estimated 16% of Georgians lack reliable broadband access. This week, HB 22 and HB 23 passed out of the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee. Both bills will advance rural broadband services across our state!

Bill Number: 22
Committee: Economic Development & Tourism
Sponsored by: Rep. Penny Houston (170th)

House Bill 22 amends the Rural Telephone Cooperative Act to allow telephone co-ops to provide broadband internet services. The bill also authorizes partnerships and financing for broadband services.

Bill Number: 23
Committee: Economic Development & Tourism
Sponsored by: Rep. Penny Houston (170th)

House Bill 23 allows for EMCs and affiliates to provide broadband internet services. It also prevents cross-subsidization of electricity service activities, gas service activities, and broadband service activities.