2019 House Bill 4288 / 2020 Public Act 224

Impose conditions on state broadband subsidies

Introduced in the House

Feb. 28, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R-102)

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.

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

Sept. 16, 2020

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Sept. 23, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 24, 2020

Passed in the House 96 to 9 (details)

Received in the Senate

Sept. 29, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

Oct. 1, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the amendment be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Passed in the Senate 36 to 1 (details)

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

Oct. 16, 2020