SB215 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Digital Expansion Authority, composition and duties, development of Statewide Connectivity Plan, Alabama University Research Alliance, created, Alabama Digital Finance Authority created, Connect Alabama Act of 2021

Summary

SB215 creates a statewide broadband expansion framework in Alabama by establishing the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority and Division, a Connect Alabama Fund, and a financing corporation to plan, fund, and implement expanded high-speed internet across the state.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to advise on and approve a statewide connectivity plan, and the Alabama Digital Expansion Division within ADECA to execute that plan and manage grants. It also establishes the Connect Alabama Fund, administered by the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation, to fund the division’s work and related administration. Additionally, it creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation to issue bonds and manage investments for eligible broadband projects, with bonds treated as limited obligations of the corporation, not the state, and with up to $250 million in bonds allowed per state fiscal year. Finally, it requires a statewide connectivity plan by July 1, 2022, prioritizes rural/underserved/unserved areas, guides long-haul/middle mile and last-mile projects, and sets reporting and governance standards for transparency.

Who It Affects

• Residents and businesses in rural, underserved, and unserved areas, who would gain access to expanded high-speed broadband, grant opportunities, and last-mile infrastructure under the statewide connectivity plan.
• Universities, university health care systems, two-year and four-year colleges, and the Alabama Community College System, which are prioritized in developing a statewide research and education network and may benefit from expanded connectivity and cooperative ventures.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority with specified private sector and public official members, including a nonvoting Division Chief and diverse regional representation; authorizes annual meetings and advisory committees and establishes voting rules.
• Creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Division within ADECA, appoints a division chief, and gives the division authority to promote broadband, develop the statewide connectivity plan, hire staff, and administer grant programs.
• Establishes the Connect Alabama Fund in the State Treasury, administered by the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation, with funds distributed to ADECA for the division’s implementation and administration of the statewide connectivity plan; allows carryover and credits interest to the Fund.
• Creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation with defined membership, powers, and governance; authorizes issuing bonds up to $250 million per fiscal year, and outlines permitted investments and the non-general-obligation nature of bonds.
• Requires development of a statewide connectivity plan by July 1, 2022, including evaluation of long-haul and middle-mile networks, last-mile infrastructure priorities, cost-effective project delivery, and consideration of the Alabama Supercomputer Authority, with emphasis on rural/underserved/unserved areas.
• Gives the division and authority authority to enter contracts, administer grant programs (including a broadband accessibility grant program), accept funds, and promote private investment to support plan objectives.
• Imposes reporting requirements, including annual updates to the Legislature and public posting of reports, and mandates coordination with the Alabama Rural Broadband Oversight Committee.
• Provides procurement and bid requirements for the division and corporation, and establishes tax and investment protections for bonds and corporate activities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Broadband