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Bill

HB 972

An Act providing for an inventory of State-owned assets for the development of fixed broadband services in unserved areas; establishing the Broadband Services Restricted Account; and providing for underserved areas of this Commonwealth.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 10 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania will inventory state assets to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved areas and establish a restricted account to support infrastructure development.

Referred to Communications & Technology
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 972

Legislative bill overview

HB 972 directs Pennsylvania to inventory state-owned assets that could support broadband infrastructure development in unserved and underserved areas. The bill establishes a Broadband Services Restricted Account, likely to fund or coordinate broadband expansion efforts using identified state resources. This represents an infrastructure planning and coordination mechanism rather than direct broadband service provision.

Why is this important

Broadband access remains a significant rural and low-income urban equity issue—affecting education, healthcare, employment, and economic development. By inventorying state assets (utility corridors, towers, buildings, etc.), Pennsylvania could accelerate broadband deployment while leveraging existing public resources. This approach can reduce infrastructure costs and barriers that currently prevent private providers from serving less profitable areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Public vs. Private Role: Defining how state involvement complements or competes with private broadband providers; concerns about government overreach versus market solutions
  • Funding Mechanism: Whether the restricted account has dedicated revenue sources or relies on legislative appropriations; unclear long-term financial sustainability
  • Implementation Timeline & Costs: Creating a comprehensive asset inventory and coordinating deployment across municipalities requires significant administrative resources with uncertain budget implications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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