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HB 2220

Enacts provisions relating to the department of transportation's fiber network

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Louis Riggs

MoDOT can form competitive PPPs with private providers to expand the state fiber network, prioritizing unserved areas, with excess capacity allowed for broadband services.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#telecommunications #transportation #departmentof #utilities
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Bill Summary · HB 2220

Summary of HB 2220 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the “Department of Transportation Fiber Network Expansion Act.”
  • Authorizes the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (the Commission) to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) with private broadband internet service providers to expand and further develop the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) fiber network.
  • Prioritizes expansion in unserved and underserved areas as defined by Missouri law.

Key provisions and changes

  • Scope and authority

    • Adds a new section to Chapter 227 (Section 227.675) granting the Commission the authority to pursue PPPs to expand MoDOT’s fiber network.
    • The PPP framework is specifically directed at expanding and developing the department’s fiber network.

  • Procurement and process

    • The Commission must use a competitive procurement process to form PPPs.
    • Public notice requirements for requests for proposals (RFPs):
    • Publish a notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in:
      • A newspaper of general circulation in the city where the project is located.
      • At least one technology industry trade publication that is nationally distributed.
      • Additional publications or methods as the Commission deems appropriate.

  • Service use and capacity

    • As part of a PPP contract, the private partner may utilize any excess fiber capacity to provide internet services.
    • Services provided must meet the state minimum broadband standard established by the Department of Economic Development.

  • Rulemaking and legal framework

    • The Commission may promulgate rules to implement the act.
    • Any rules must comply with Chapter 536 (Administrative Procedure) and applicable provisions.
    • The act includes a nonseverability clause: if any powers to review, delay, or disapprove rules by the General Assembly under Chapter 536 are found unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rules adopted after August 28, 2026, become invalid.

Who/what would be affected

  • Public entities

    • MoDOT (the Department of Transportation) would host and manage the fiber network expansion via PPPs.
    • The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission would oversee PPP formation and contract award.

  • Private sector

    • Private broadband internet service providers could enter PPPs to expand the state’s fiber network and potentially operate services on excess fiber capacity, subject to meeting state broadband standards.

  • General public/areas served

    • Unserved and underserved areas would be prioritized for fiber network expansion, potentially improving broadband access in rural or low-service regions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative structure

    • A new section (227.675) added to Chapter 227.
    • The act describes authority, processes, and conditions for PPPs and rulemaking.

  • Fiscal note and impact

    • State fiscal note indicates no direct impact on general revenue, state funds, or federal funds.
    • No new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions are anticipated.
    • Local government impact: none expected.
    • Small business note: potential impact on small broadband providers, given new PPP opportunities and use of excess capacity for service provision.

  • Rulemaking timeline

    • The act contemplates future rules to implement the PPP framework.
    • Due to the nonseverability provision, any constitutional issues affecting the General Assembly’s rulemaking powers could affect the effectiveness of the act post-implementation.

Bottom-line takeaway

HB 2220 would authorize MoDOT and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to forge publicly supported, competitively procured PPPs with private broadband providers to expand the state’s fiber optic network, prioritizing unserved/underserved areas. Private partners could offer broadband services using excess fiber capacity if they meet state broadband standards, potentially expanding access while leveraging private investment. The framework includes explicit public notice requirements, rulemaking authority, and safeguards around governance and constitutionality.

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

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