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Bill

HB 217

Helping Mississippians Afford Broadband Act; create.

2025 Regular Session

Mississippi bill proposing broadband affordability assistance program failed to advance from committee in 2025, leaving state's digital access gaps unaddressed legislatively.

Died In Committee
#appropriationsa
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Bill Summary · HB 217

Legislative bill overview

HB 217, the Helping Mississippians Afford Broadband Act, proposed creating a mechanism to help Mississippi residents access or afford broadband internet services. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee in January 2025 but died in committee by late February, meaning it did not advance for a vote.

Why is this important

Broadband access remains a critical infrastructure gap in rural Mississippi, affecting economic opportunity, educational attainment, and healthcare access. State-level affordability programs can help bridge the digital divide, though they require sustained funding and coordination with existing federal broadband initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: Questions about how the program would be financed, whether through general appropriations, taxes, or other mechanisms, and whether budget constraints made it untenable
  • Program design and scope: Disagreement over eligibility criteria, subsidy amounts, service standards, and whether it duplicates federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program
  • Implementation feasibility: Concerns about administering an affordability program across Mississippi's varied urban and rural markets, including partnership requirements with ISPs

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

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