SB3 Alabama 2022 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clay Scofield

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2022

Title

Broadband, authorizing the state, county, or a municipality to grant certain monies for broadband infrastructure, const. amend.

Summary

SB3 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let the state, counties, or municipalities grant funds designated for broadband to public or private entities to build or expand broadband infrastructure, with public meeting approval for county/municipal grants to private entities.

What This Bill Does

If passed, it would authorize the use of funds designated for broadband (including federal funds) to be granted to public or private entities for providing or expanding broadband infrastructure. A county or municipality would need a public meeting to approve any grant to a private entity. The change would be approved by voters in the 2022 primary election and, if ratified, would become part of the Constitution, with editorial formatting adjustments handled by the Code Commissioner.

Who It Affects

• State, county, and municipal governments would be authorized to grant designated broadband funds to public or private entities.
• Public or private entities receiving broadband funds (including private broadband providers) to build or expand infrastructure.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the state, a county, or a municipality to grant federal award funds or other funding designated for broadband infrastructure to public or private entities for providing or expanding broadband.
• Requires that a county or municipality's grant to a private entity be approved at a public meeting.
• If ratified, the amendment will be incorporated into the Constitution and placed in the appropriate sequence, with editorial adjustments allowed by the Code Commissioner.
• An election to approve the amendment will be held at the 2022 primary election.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Broadband