Committee adopts broadband substitute to align speed standards with existing technology

A sponsor explained the house committee substitute for House Bill 2886, saying the substitute aligns state speed standards with existing technology, clarifies eligibility for programs such as middle-mile initiatives and E‑Rate–funded work, clarifies language around auctions and second-place finishers, and removes a previous limitation on other forms of technology.

Members thanked the sponsor for stakeholder engagement and asked clarifying questions; the sponsor said considerable stakeholder input had been incorporated. The chair moved adoption of the substitute and then moved that the substitute be given a 'do pass' recommendation. A roll-call vote recorded 17 ayes and 0 nos; the chair declared the substitute do pass and adjourned the session.

The transcript records committee-level action and explanation by the sponsor; no external testimony is recorded in the excerpt.