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SB 3266

Greenwood Utilities Commission; authorize construction and leasing of dark fiber to enhance broadband capacity in service territory.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lydia Chassaniol and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes Greenwood Utilities Commission to plan, build, and lease dark fiber within its service territory to boost broadband capacity for residents and businesses.

Died In Committee
#localandprivate
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Bill Summary · SB 3266

Summary of SB 3266 (Greenwood Utilities Commission; authorize construction and leasing of dark fiber to enhance broadband capacity in service territory)

Overview

SB 3266 was introduced on March 7, 2025 and is classified as a Local and Private bill. Its stated purpose is to authorize the Greenwood Utilities Commission (GUC) to construct and lease dark fiber within its service territory to enhance broadband capacity. The bill died in committee and did not advance to the full chamber.

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025
  • Referred to: Local and Private (March 7, 2025)
  • Died in Committee: April 3, 2025
  • Status: Died in Committee

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to empower the Greenwood Utilities Commission to expand broadband infrastructure by building fiber optic capacity and making use of dark fiber leases within its service area.
  • By enabling the construction and leasing of dark fiber, the bill seeks to improve broadband capacity and resilience for residents and businesses in the GUC service territory, potentially attracting providers or enabling public-private partnerships.

Key Provisions (Inferred from Title)

  • Authorization for the Greenwood Utilities Commission to plan, construct, and own dark fiber infrastructure within its service territory.
  • Authority to lease dark fiber (unlit optical strands) to communications providers or other eligible entities for a term and under negotiated pricing and conditions.
  • Coverage likely to include conditions related to rights-of-way, siting approvals, interconnection with existing networks, and compliance with applicable state and local laws.
  • Terms governing the use, maintenance, and potential cost recovery associated with the fiber network. (Note: The actual text of the bill would specify the precise provisions.)

Note: The actual bill text was not provided here, so the above reflects the purpose suggested by the title and typical components of similar municipal broadband/utility authorities.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Greenwood Utilities Commission: Would gain authority to construct and lease dark fiber, creating potential new revenue streams and enhanced service capabilities within its territory.
  • Telecommunications providers and other entities: Could access dark fiber capacity through leases, enabling expanded broadband offerings or network redundancy.
  • Residents and businesses in the service territory: Potential improvements in broadband capacity, reliability, and price competition depending on market dynamics and adoption.
  • Local government and regulatory environment: Would operate under applicable state and local statutes governing municipal utilities and private collaborations.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: March 7, 2025
  • Referral: Local and Private (March 7, 2025)
  • Status: Died in Committee (April 3, 2025)
  • Next steps: While the bill died in committee, it could be reintroduced in a future session with revisions. Any subsequent action would require new referrals and committee consideration.

Bottom Line

SB 3266 sought to expand Greenwood’s broadband infrastructure capabilities by authorizing the construction and leasing of dark fiber within its service territory. The measure did not advance and died in committee, leaving its provisions unenacted for the current session.

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

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