Bill

HB 669

86(R) - 2019
House State Affairs
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House State Affairs
Department of Health

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Ken King

Bill Caption

Relating to eligibility of certain local exchange companies for support from the universal service fund for the provision of broadband service.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) estimates that implementing the provisions of the bill would require two additional full-time equivalents: an Engineer VI, at $95,000, to aid in the establishment of standards for networks built or maintained, and a Financial Analyst III, at $75,000, to oversee the financial aspects of the program. Training costs for these employees would be $2,000 per year. Therefore, the total personnel cost associated with implementing the provisions of this bill would be $172,000.

Bill Analysis

HB 669 would establish a Rural Broadband Service Program under which the Public Utilities Commission would use the universal service fund to provide financial assistance to build and maintain broadband networks in rural areas of the state.  

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes this bill for violating the principles of free markets and limited government. It is not the proper role of the state to create taxpayer-funded programs to subsidize broadband access in rural areas of the state.