AR HB1924

Creates new Arkansas Code Chapter 96 establishing broadband improvement districts as special-purpose units of local government to provide or aid in development and maintenance of broadband internet service.

Authorizes existing municipal improvement districts, suburban improvement districts, property owners' improvement districts, municipal property owners' improvement districts, rural development authorities, and horizontal property regimes to enter into public-private partnerships with private actors to contract for, provide, promote, and support broadband internet service.

Defines "broadband internet service" as regulated or nonregulated connectivity to high-speed, high-capacity transmission medium over electric power lines, communication lines, antennas, and related facilities, whether above or below ground.

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

Permits districts in existence on or after January 1, 2021, to conduct broadband activities using existing notice and voting procedures applicable to their creation, and authorizes districts to receive federal, state, county, or municipal funding through grants and appropriations for these purposes.