SB192 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment for Lee County to remove restrictions on public providers' service areas for cable, telecommunications equipment, Internet access, and related services.

• Requires public providers to give 12-month notice to private providers before expanding service outside their jurisdiction, allowing private providers opportunity to match service levels.

• Limits public provider service expansion to their headquartered county and contiguous counties, and restricts service to Internet, cable, and phone only.

• Permits only revenue bonds, cash, grants, loans, or matching dollars to finance expansion (prohibits direct public funding).

• Requires municipalities providing service outside municipal boundaries as of January 31, 2016, to pay all applicable taxes and fees as if they were private entities.