Bill

A 190

Requires broadband providers to offer high speed broadband service to certain low-income consumers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham and 1 co-sponsor

Requires broadband providers to offer high-speed service to eligible low-income households, expanding access while leaving speed, pricing, and enforcement details to regulators.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 190

Bill A 190 — Summary

Overview

Bill A 190, titled "Requires broadband providers to offer high speed broadband service to certain low-income consumers," seeks to ensure that eligible low-income households have access to high-speed internet by requiring broadband providers operating in the state to offer such service to those consumers.

What the bill would do

The primary objective appears to be creating a mandatory offering of high-speed broadband to specified low-income consumers.
Specific details such as eligibility criteria, the definition of "high-speed", the set of qualifying households, pricing, the spectrum of service plans, enforcement mechanisms, and implementation timelines are not provided in the available information.

Note: The exact statutory language would determine the precise obligations on providers (e.g., whether the bill requires discounted rates, free service for a period, or a public-private program). The summary below reflects the content provided.

Who would be affected

Broadband providers operating within the state could be required to offer high-speed service to eligible low-income customers.
Low-income consumers who meet the bill’s eligibility criteria would be potential recipients of the required offering.
State regulatory bodies and committees responsible for telecommunications oversight would administer or enforce the provisions (initially the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions).

Legislative status and timeline

Introduced: January 8, 2025.
Current status: Referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
Version actions show two identical committee referrals on the same date, reinforcing initial referral as the current stage.
No further action (e.g., passage, amendments, or floor votes) is listed in the provided information.

Related bills

A 10690 (prior-session)
A 1714 (prior-session)
S 3343 (companion) — listed as a companion bill in the Senate (duplicate mention included)

Potential impacts and considerations

Access: Potentially expands high-speed broadband access for low-income households.
Economic effects on providers: Could impose new obligations, possibly affecting service offerings and pricing; details on cost-sharing, subsidies, or penalties are not specified.
Regulatory process: Implementation would involve state agencies to define eligibility, speed standards, and enforcement.
Legislative trajectory: As the bill is currently referred to committee, progress will depend on committee review, potential amendments, and votes in both houses.

Next steps

Monitor committee hearings and any amendments to clarify eligibility, speed definitions, pricing, and enforcement.
Review the companion/senate bill (S 3343) for parallel language and potential negotiations or compromise.

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