SB192 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Lee Co., public providers of municipal telecommunications services, remove certain restrictions on coverage area, notice required by public providers intending to expand coverage, sources of funding limited, certain taxes in expanded coverage area required of public provider, const. amend.

Summary

SB192 would amend Alabama's constitution to let Lee County public providers expand their service area and offerings, with rules on notice, funding, and taxes.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the amendment would remove restrictions on the service area for Lee County public providers and allow them to offer cable, Internet, and advanced telecommunications services beyond current limits. It would require the public provider to give 12 months' notice to private providers before expanding into new areas. The provider could operate in the county where it is headquartered or in contiguous counties, but services would be limited to Internet, cable, and phone. Funding for expansions could only come from revenue bonds, cash, grants, loans, or matching dollars, and the provider would be responsible for taxes and fees in the expanded area under certain conditions.

Who It Affects

• Public providers located in Lee County (municipalities or municipal instrumentalities) would gain broader authority to expand service areas and offer more services.
• Private providers serving Lee County and residents in Lee County and surrounding counties would be affected by potential expansion and must be given 12 months' notice before expansions.

Key Provisions

• Applies only to a public provider located in Lee County.
• Removes restrictions on service area and allows providing cable systems, telecommunications equipment and systems, and various services (cable, Internet, advanced telecommunications) without coverage-area limits.
• Public providers must give 12-month notice to private providers before expanding beyond current jurisdiction.
• Public providers may serve areas in the county where headquartered or in contiguous counties; services limited to Internet, cable, and phone.
• Funding for expansion cannot use public funds; allowed sources are revenue bonds, cash, grants, loans, or matching dollars.
• Public provider pays taxes and fees in expanded areas under certain conditions; municipalities expanding outside boundaries as of 2016 must pay taxes/fees as if a private entity.
• Other provisions define terms and rights related to rights-of-way and unbundled access for carriers and electric cooperatives.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments