Mississippi House Bill HB474

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/23/24
• Failed: 3/27/24

Caption

Appropriation; Copiah County for expanding broadband services to unserved areas within the county.

Impact

The bill is significant in terms of its potential to improve internet accessibility for residents in Copiah County. By targeting unserved areas, HB474 addresses a critical infrastructure need that can enhance economic opportunities, educational access, and telehealth services for locals. This initiative may also align with broader state and national efforts to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural settings where high-speed internet access is often lacking.

Summary

House Bill 474 aims to appropriate funds specifically for expanding broadband services in unserved areas of Copiah County, Mississippi. It designates a total of $1,460,000 from the State General Fund for the fiscal year 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024. This funding enables the Board of Supervisors of Copiah County to either directly provide these broadband services or contract with existing service providers that already serve these unserved areas.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward purpose, discussions surrounding its funding and implementation may invoke concerns related to the equitable distribution of resources. Potential points of contention could arise regarding the criteria used to define 'unserved areas' and whether the funding will be sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of appropriating funds directly to the county versus involving state-level agencies or private sector partnerships for better oversight.