Texas House Bill HB3953

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to a study by the broadband development office on Internet service for multiunit residential properties.

Impact

If enacted, HB3953 could significantly influence the delivery of broadband services in urban Texas, particularly affecting residents of apartment buildings and condominiums. By highlighting the disparities in service provision, the resulting report could lead to recommendations aimed at improving internet availability and reliability. This may push local governments and service providers to enhance their infrastructure and services catering specifically to multiunit residential properties, potentially leading to broader economic and social benefits for those communities.

Summary

House Bill 3953 focuses on the access to broadband internet services for residents of multiunit residential properties in Texas. The bill mandates a study by the broadband development office to evaluate the availability and quality of internet service in such environments, aiming to identify gaps in infrastructure and service provision. The bill includes specific definitions for broadband service standards and outlines the parameters of the study, which must address different factors affecting service access in urban multiunit properties compared to single-family homes.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill relates to concerns about the potential for exclusive agreements between property owners and internet service providers. The study aims to assess how these contracts may affect service quality, availability, and costs for tenants, illuminating the dynamics of competition in broadband service in high-density living environments. Moreover, the bill's exploration of how municipal regulations impact service deployment can stir discussions among local governments regarding their authority and ability to foster competitive broadband markets in their jurisdictions.