Public utilities: Public Utilities Commission: telecommunications: broadband internet access service.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

Starting July 1 2028, the bill shifts the Public Utilities Commission’s broadband duties to the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, creates new grant and loan mechanisms to build middle‑mile and last‑mile networks in unserved areas, and sets low‑cost lease requirements. It also establishes a surcharge to fund telecommunications devices for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing residents and requires extensive public reporting on projects, funding, and adoption rates. The goal is to speed high‑speed internet deployment and improve accessibility for low‑income and disabled communities.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on C. & C. (Ayes 13. Noes 1.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on C. & C. · Apr 9, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 6, 2026
• Communications and Conveyance Committee Hearing
  Communications and Conveyance · Apr 15, 2026
• Utilities and Energy Committee Hearing
  Utilities and Energy · Apr 8, 2026
• Utilities And Energy
  Utilities And Energy · Apr 8, 2026

History

1. May 14, 2026In committee: Held under submission.
2. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
3. Apr 15, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. Apr 13, 2026Re-referred to Com. on C. & C.
5. Apr 9, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on C. & C. (Ayes 13. Noes 1.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on C. & C.
6. Apr 9, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on C. & C. Read second time and amended.
7. Mar 9, 2026Referred to Coms. on U. & E. and C. & C.
8. Feb 20, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
9. Feb 19, 2026Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

• Boerner · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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