MS HB1174

Amends Mississippi Code sections 77-3-29 and 77-17-3 to extend broadband service provisions to investor-owned public utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission, treating them the same as electric cooperatives.

Grants investor-owned public utilities the right to use their electric delivery systems to provide broadband services on a wholesale basis under the same protections and limitations as electric cooperatives.

Prohibits electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities from requiring customers to purchase broadband services as a condition of receiving electricity or disconnecting electric service due to unpaid broadband bills.

Allows broadband systems installed on electric delivery systems to not be considered an additional property burden and permits landowners to recover only direct property value damages through circuit court if their property is harmed, with a permanent easement vesting in the broadband operator.

Effective upon passage.