Last Wednesday, a bill designed to provide broadband infrastructure to rural areas in the state has passed the House Ways & Means Education Committee. 

SB 149, the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act, sponsored by Senator Clay Scofield (R-Arab), would encourage private investment in broadband infrastructure through business entities in unserved, rural areas.  The Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund would be administered through the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs and would rely on appropriations from the legislature or from federal or state grants.

The Alabama REALTORS® public policy team participated in the public hearing before the committee vote. 

Alabama REALTORS® supports the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act. Increasing access to broadband internet in rural and underserved areas of the state will increase opportunities for growth, homeownership and economic development. 

SB 149 received a favorable report and now travels to the House for final passage.

(Pictured Above: Public Hearing on SB 149 in the House Ways & Means Education Committee)