MS HB730

Establishes a state goal that by 2021, all Mississippi residents and businesses have access to high-speed broadband with minimum download speeds of 10-20 megabits per second and upload speeds of 5-10 megabits per second.

Authorizes counties and municipalities in areas with median household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to enter public-private partnerships with telecommunications providers to develop broadband infrastructure, including authority to apply for USDA Rural Utility Service loans and grants.

Designates the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services as the telecommunications backbone and central server, with satellite networks in each congressional district serving local school districts as local hubs for broadband services.

Amends sections 19-3-41 (county supervisors), 21-17-1 (municipalities), and 37-7-301 (school boards) to authorize necessary actions to implement the broadband initiative.

Brings forward existing tax incentive provisions (Sections 57-87-3, 57-87-5, and 57-87-7) providing tax credits and ad valorem tax exemptions for telecommunications enterprises investing in broadband deployment equipment.