Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes new provisions for telecommunications and prohibits adding any new taxes, licenses, or fees on or before August 28, 2021.

Highlights:

• Establishes that the state or any other political subdivision shall not impose any new tax, license, or fee in addition to any tax, license, or fee already authorized on or before August 28, 2021, upon the provision of satellite or streaming video service (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that 2 or more municipalities may elect to form a broadband infrastructure improvement district for the delivery of broadband internet service to the residents of such municipality, which district shall be a body politic and corporate (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes districts created under this section to have the power to partner with a telecommunications company or broadband service provider in order to construct or improve telecommunications facilities which shall be wholly owned and operated by the telecommunications company or broadband service provider (Sec. 1).

• Requires the local governing body of any nonmember municipality that desires to be admitted to the district to make applications for admission to the board after an affirmative result from such election, additionally (Sec. 1):

• The board shall determine the financial, economic, governance, and operational effects that are likely to occur if such municipality is admitted and thereafter either grant or deny authority for admission of the petitioning municipality.  If the board grants such authority, it shall also specify any terms and conditions, including financial obligations, upon which such admission is predicated. Upon resolution of the board, such applicant municipality shall become a district member;

• A district member may withdraw from the district in the same manner as the vote for admission to the district set forth in subsection 8 of this section; or

• Dissolution of a broadband infrastructure improvement district created pursuant to this section shall follow the procedures.

Full Bill Text