To exempt “broadband equipment” owned by certain internet developers claiming to serve "underserved areas" from personal property taxes levied on business tools and equipment. The bill is connected to House Bill 4210, and the Senate Fiscal Agency is unable to quantify the amount of foregone revenue the tax subsidies they promise would cost the state, in part because the bills would permit developers to claim them in areas where broadband internet may already be available.   Official Text and Analysis.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To require public hearings before the proposed selective tax breaks may be given; require the developers granted this privilege to send a written notice clearly describing the new service to every address in the area covered, and put time limits on the tax breaks.

To establish that all records related the tax breaks be subject to open records law disclosure requirements; require developers granted this privilege to let customers opt out of having to share personal data; and notify customers of any security breach.

To establish customer uptake thresholds that if not met would cause the selective tax break given to a developer to be terminated. Also, to require the Department of Treasury to publish detailed information on the exemptions granted under the bill and the amount of foregone property tax revenue they represent.

To make the proposed tax breaks prospective only, rather than also giving them to developers whose projects were in the works before the start of 2021.