NC H432

Authorizes counties to provide high-speed Internet access service as a public enterprise by adding it to the definition of allowable public enterprises under G.S. 153A-274.

Allows counties to build and own infrastructure including conduit, fiber-optic cable, and fiber-optic wire to expand high-speed Internet access in unserved areas and promote economic development.

Permits counties to lease infrastructure to private providers of high-speed Internet access service on a technology-neutral basis, but prohibits counties from directly providing Internet service themselves.

Requires lease contracts to comply with Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and mandates that counties use only unrestricted general fund revenue to provide the infrastructure.

Effective upon enactment.