The legislation, filed by Rep. Trent Ashby (R-9), would create the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would use the $1.5 billion to expand Internet access. The state comptroller estimates that about 7 million Texans lack broadband.
The fund would also set up broadband, telecommunications and 911 services and match federal funds from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program.
The state’s House and Senate approved the legislation on Sunday, clearing the bill for Gov. Greg Abbott’s review and signature.
So what happens next?
If Gov. Abbott signs the bill, voters will be asked to formalize the fund’s creation in November through a constitutional amendment proposed by House Joint Resolution 125.
If voters approve the measure, the comptroller’s office will administer the $1.5 billion, and the Legislature will begin overseeing the fund.
“This represents a historic investment in connectivity infrastructure to meet the technological demands of the future and reaffirms our belief that all Texans deserve access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” Ashby told lawmakers Sunday.
