SJR116 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Broadband Internet, supporting expansion by municipalities to other service areas

Summary

A non-binding Senate Joint Resolution expressing support for expanding broadband Internet access by municipalities into additional service areas in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

Declares support for expanding broadband Internet, especially by municipalities, into other service areas. It highlights the importance of broadband for growth, jobs, and economic development, and notes that current Alabama law places conditions on municipal broadband (unbundled, nondiscriminatory service with no taxes, no state funding, and no debt for broadband). It also mentions that Alabama's restrictions on municipal broadband have been questioned by the federal government and references the FCC position on state service-area limits. The resolution asserts that expanding broadband is essential for Alabamians to participate in economic and civic life.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities and local governments that provide or plan to provide broadband service, since the resolution encourages expansion into additional service areas.
• Residents and businesses in Alabama who would gain greater access to broadband and the economic and civic opportunities that come with it.

Key Provisions

• Expresses support for expanding broadband Internet, particularly by municipalities into other service areas.
• Acknowledges broadband's importance for growth, jobs, and economic development.
• References current Alabama laws governing municipal broadband, including restrictions such as no taxes or state funding and no debt related to broadband, and notes federal concerns about these restrictions.
• Declares that expansion of municipal broadband is imperative for Alabamians' participation in economic and civic life and aligns with FCC positions on service-area limits.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative