MS HB897

Establishes the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act to authorize electric cooperatives to own, construct, and operate broadband systems as part of their electric delivery infrastructure.

Permits electric cooperatives to establish broadband affiliates, make capital investments, provide loans, and allow unaffiliated broadband operators to use their electric delivery systems to provide broadband services to the public.

Prohibits state agencies, instrumentalities, and political subdivisions from regulating the facilities, operations, or services of broadband affiliates or operators using an electric cooperative's electric delivery system.

Requires electric cooperatives to maintain electric system reliability and prohibits them from requiring customers to purchase broadband services as a condition of receiving electric service or from disconnecting electric service due to unpaid broadband bills.

Allows landowners to petition circuit court for damages if their property is diminished in value by broadband system use, with recoverable damages limited to the difference in fair market value before and after installation and a permanent easement vested in the broadband operator.