SB149 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clay Scofield

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Broadband internet access in rural areas, Economic and Community Affairs Dept., grant program, Fund and Legislative Oversight Committees, created, Ala. Broadband Accessibility Act

Summary

The Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act creates a state grant program and fund to deploy high-speed broadband to unserved rural areas, administered by ADECA with oversight and reporting.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund and a grant program run by ADECA to help private entities build broadband in unserved rural areas. Sets minimum service goals and grant caps, requires matching or private funding up to a limit, and prioritizes projects that leverage private investment, have community support, and deliver faster speeds. establishes an oversight committee and reporting requirements to monitor progress and broadband availability.

Who It Affects

• Residents and businesses in rural, unserved areas who would gain access to broadband services.
• Private entities (cooperatives, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, etc.) eligible to apply for and receive grants to deploy broadband.
• Hospitals and libraries, which receive priority consideration and support for improved connectivity and digital literacy efforts.
• Unincorporated areas, which must receive at least 40% of grant funds.
• ADECA and the Alabama Rural Broadband Oversight Committee, which administer and oversee the program and report on progress.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund to receive state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds for the grant program.
• ADECA must create rules within 90 days and begin accepting grant applications; grants awarded to non-government entities that provide broadband services.
• Grants have a cap: the lesser of 20% of project costs or $750,000 for 10 Mbps down / 1 Mbps up projects; or the lesser of 20% of project costs or $1,400,000 for 25 Mbps down / 3 Mbps up projects; awarded only in unserved areas.
• At least 40% of funds must be used in unincorporated areas; grants prioritize leveraging private investment, community support, applicant capability, financial resources, cost-effectiveness, and higher speeds.
• Projects may combine state grants with federal universal service funds up to 50% of total project cost; state funds may extend beyond federal specs or ensure speeds meet 25/3 where necessary.
• Administrative costs for the program must not exceed 3% of total annual appropriation; funds are invested for the benefit of the program.
• Grants require project completion within two years; payments are made after completion certification and compliance with grant terms.
• Ala. Rural Broadband Oversight Committee is created to provide annual oversight; ADECA must report quarterly on grant status and publish availability reports within 12 months.
• Provisions are severable and the act becomes effective immediately upon signing.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Broadband