Introduced by Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R) on February 28, 2019
To permit state grants of up to $5 million each to local broadband developers that meet specified criteria. The entities looking to enter this market and applying for a grant would have to demonstrate a genuine demand exists that is not being served by private vendors, and that they are capable of executing the venture without the cost-overruns and revenue shortfalls. Official Text and Analysis.
Referred to the House Communications and Technology Committee on February 28, 2019
Reported in the House on September 16, 2020
Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted.
Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee on September 16, 2020
Reported in the House on September 23, 2020
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
To permit state grants of up to $5 million each to local broadband developers that meet specified criteria. The entities looking to enter this market and applying for a grant would have to demonstrate a genuine demand exists that is not being served by private vendors, and that they are capable of executing the venture without the cost-overruns and revenue shortfalls. The week before this vote the legislature approved a state budget that authorizes $14.3 million state taxpayer dollars for these subsidies in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on October 16, 2020