AL
Alabama House Bill HB607

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB607

Filed/Read First Time
 
Introduced
4/24/25  

Caption

Establishes Rural Connectivity and Innovation Act, provides grant program and tax credit in underserved farming communities

Impact

The act specifically targets rural farming communities that currently face critical challenges due to inadequate broadband access. By facilitating grants for relevant infrastructure projects and allowing for state income tax credits, the law aims to stimulate technological adoption among farmers, such as precision farming and smart irrigation. This initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity and enable farmers to leverage digital tools that improve their operational efficiency, thereby fostering enhanced economic growth in rural sectors.

Summary

House Bill 607, known as the Rural Connectivity and Innovation Act, is designed to enhance high-speed broadband access in underserved farming communities across Alabama. Recognizing the vital role that broadband plays in modern agriculture and rural economic development, this bill establishes a state-funded program aimed at bridging the connectivity gap in these areas. By allocating $50 million annually for broadband infrastructure grants, the legislation emphasizes support for public-private partnerships and cooperative initiatives to improve access and services in these communities.

Contention

While the bill garners significant support for its potential economic benefits, concerns have also been raised regarding the implementation and accessibility of these grant funds. Critics argue that ensuring equitable access to funding for all communities will be critical to prevent disparities based on existing infrastructure or community partnerships. The limitations on the tax credit, including the non-refundable nature and the cap on total credits issued, might also prompt debates about fairness and the effectiveness of the incentive structure, particularly for small farmers who may struggle to absorb upfront costs associated with new technologies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB310

Rural Hospital Investment Program established, tax credits for donations to rural hospitals authorized

AL SB223

Rural Hospital Investment Program established, tax credits for donations to rural hospitals authorized

AL SB242

Innovation Districts; establishment of by counties and municipalities as public corporation authorized; provide for the powers of innovation districts

AL HB349

Innovation Districts; establishment of by counties and municipalities as public corporation authorized; provide for the powers of innovation districts.

AL HB441

Growing Alabama Act, Innovating Alabama Act, Alabama Jobs Act, Innovate Alabama, allow existing communities to qualify for incentives

AL SB331

Growing Alabama Act, Innovating Alabama Act, Alabama Jobs Act, Innovate Alabama, allow existing communities to qualify for incentives

AL SB280

Relating to child care and workforce development; to establish the employer tax credit, childcare facility tax credit, and nonprofit childcare provider grant program; to make legislative findings

AL SB333

Taxation, tax credits, Alabama employers provided a tax credit for employees eligible under the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program.

AL SB98

Public K-12 school security; School Security Program, established to require school security inspections and grading; School Security and Fire Safety Fund, established to provide grants; School Mapping Data Program, established to provide criteria for school maps; Department of Education and ALEA, authorized to adopt rules

AL HB38

State government, created the Community-Based Violence Prevention Program within the Department of Economic and Community Affairs and provided for a pilot program to provide grants

Similar Bills

LA SB10

Provides relative to rural broadband high-speed internet access.

NJ S2213

Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service.

NJ S1982

Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service.

NJ A1398

Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service.

NJ A3280

Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service.

CA AB41

Broadband infrastructure deployment.

CA SB717

Department of Technology: broadband communications: report.

CA AB965

Local government: broadband permit applications.