AR SB150

Arkansas ranks second-to-last nationally in providing broadband internet access to households, businesses, and other locations, impacting educational, healthcare, public safety, agricultural, and economic development opportunities.

Amends the definition of "government entity" under the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013 to explicitly include all Arkansas state agencies, public educational entities, school districts, incorporated and unincorporated cities and towns, and county governments.

Allows government entities owning electric utility or television signal distribution systems to provide voice, data, broadband, video, or wireless telecommunications services after public notice and hearing, except for basic local exchange service.

Permits government entities to apply for grants or loans to construct, acquire, or lease facilities for deploying broadband service in unserved areas and to provide telecommunications services to the public in those areas, either independently or in partnership with private entities.

Declares an emergency due to the essential nature of reliable high-speed broadband to community success and its unavailability in many rural areas, making the act effective immediately upon approval by the Governor.