Bill
Bill > SB1405
summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Crossed Over
04/15/2025
04/15/2025
Passed
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Introduced Session
89th Legislature Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT relating to increasing access to and reducing taxation of Internet services.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve broadband internet access and reduce taxation of internet services in Texas by making several key changes. The bill updates the definition of "broadband service" to require faster internet speeds (100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, compared to the previous 25/3 Mbps standard), and modifies how the state's Broadband Development Office identifies and classifies unserved and underserved locations. The legislation expands the office's ability to award contracts, grants, and loans for broadband infrastructure projects, with a focus on areas lacking reliable internet service, including public schools and community institutions. The bill also removes Internet access service from the list of taxable services and provides tax considerations for entities receiving broadband deployment grants. Additionally, the legislation requires more transparency, mandating that the comptroller publish detailed information about broadband grants, including recipient names, targeted areas, and project status. The changes are designed to accelerate broadband deployment in underserved areas of Texas, with the bill taking effect on July 1, 2025, subject to receiving a two-thirds vote in the state legislature.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Effective on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1, 2025 (on 06/20/2025)
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