Tennessee Farm Bureau Association Backs State Muni Broadband Bills

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation said Sunday it supports a legislative push by state House Assistant Majority Leader Kevin Brooks and state Sen. Janice Bowling to ease restrictions in the state’s municipal broadband law by allowing municipalities operating an electric utility to provide utility services, including broadband, outside their electric system service area. The group said its members are located primarily in rural areas of Tennessee that have sparse broadband connectivity. Brooks said he and Bowling, both Republicans, are hoping the FCC Feb. 26 vote to grant a pre-emption petition from the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga will help the chances of their bills -- HB-1303 and SB-1134 -- during the current legislative session (see 1502270048). The legislature is slated to adjourn April 17.