MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed SB 215, a bill by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) that is viewed as a transformational piece of legislation aimed at increasing the availability of high-speed broadband internet service to every area of the Yellowhammer State.
SB 215 was passed as substituted and amended in a 32-0 vote. All senators who have been in attendance this session voted to support the measure.
The bill would create the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority; this state agency, modeled off of the State Port Authority in structure, would plan and oversee the proliferation of high-speed internet access throughout Alabama.
“Access to high-speed internet is critical to creating economic development and driving our state forward, and it is one of the most urgent needs we are dealing with in our state today,” stated Marsh. “Alabama is currently ranked 47th in the nation when it comes to internet access, according to U.S. News and World Report, and we are only getting further behind.”
On the floor, the senator said he believes his proposal would propel Alabama into the top-10 when it comes to internet access among states.
“Students, businesses, health care providers, and countless others depend on broadband access, and too many individuals across our state lack this necessary resource,” Marsh stressed.
“It’s time that we put a powerful plan in motion to successfully deliver high-speed internet services to all Alabamians, and this legislation is a significant step forward in supplying broadband connectivity to all four corners of the state,” he added.
SB 215 now heads to the House for consideration. Marsh’s SB 214, which would provide a steady and large revenue stream to fund broadband expansion, still awaits Senate approval.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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