AR HB1918

Creates Chapter 96 of Arkansas Code to establish broadband improvement districts as special-purpose units of local government that can provide or aid in developing broadband internet service through public-private partnerships.

Allows municipal improvement districts, suburban improvement districts, property owners' improvement districts, municipal property owners' improvement districts, horizontal property regimes, and rural development authorities to enter into partnerships with private actors to contract for, provide, and finance broadband internet service and related capital facilities.

Enables private actors (cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and other business entities) to construct, finance, implement, maintain, and operate broadband systems under negotiated agreements with improvement districts.

Permits improvement districts in existence on or after January 1, 2021 to conduct broadband activities using existing notice and voting procedures applicable to their creation.

Allows broadband improvement districts and parties to receive federal, state, county, or municipal funding through grants, transfers, and appropriations to accomplish broadband development purposes.