Minnesota Legislation Makes it to the House Floor in 2024

The Equal Access to Broadband Bill, HF 4182/SF 4262, was introduced in both chambers. The bill authorizes cities to franchise broadband providers, which will allow cities to ensure all its residents will receive the same broadband quality of service resulting in all residents having equal access to broadband. Franchising will also allow cities to receive other public benefits such as efforts to promote digital equity. The Equal Access to Broadband Act received multiple hearings in the House of Representatives. It was included in the House Commerce Policy Omnibus Bill, HF 4077 (Article 4, Sections 1-11), which passed out of committee to the House floor where it received its Second Reading on April 4, 2024. On April 5, 2024, the bill was heard by the State and Local Government Committee in the House and laid over for possible inclusion in the State and Local Government Omnibus Bill.

The bill had widespread support from state legislators, the League of Minnesota Cities, MACTA, NATOA, the League of Women’s Voters, and others, but has been opposed by the cable and phone associations and some of the Chambers of Commerce. Bradley Werner, LLC partner, Mike Bradley, testified on behalf of this legislation.

Here are some links with more information.

• https://www.kare11.com/video/news/politics/89-e6019161-8e5f-4a0a-8302-eeb14c5b06a7
• https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18224
• https://www.lwvmn.org/league-news/2024/capitol-letter-for-mar-22
• https://ccxmedia.org/news/ccx-media-reports-on-the-equal-access-to-broadband-act/
• https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18157
• https://www.startribune.com/franchise-fee-internet-cable-provider-rural-broadband-media/600354375/
• https://www.lmc.org/news-publications/news/all/house-commerce-committee-advances-equal-access-to-broadband-act/