Senate Bill 2452 Summary

• Amends Mississippi's Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) Act to align state broadband grant programs with federal statutes, rules, regulations and guidance.

• Defines "broadband serviceable location" (BSL) as geographic coordinates of structures where broadband can be installed, and "community anchor institution" as schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and similar organizations serving vulnerable populations.

• Requires BEAM to prioritize "eligible project areas" as defined by applicable federal grant programs rather than only unserved or underserved areas, with federal requirements superseding any conflicting state limitations.

• Modifies application requirements to include all information required by federal law, BSLs in required format, and details on served/unserved status and community impact.

• Exempts BEAM expenditures reimbursed by federal grant funds from state procurement and contracting requirements, and requires Governor notification before distributing grant monies.