Top Issues in the 87th: Key Bills Reach Governor’s Desk (Sine Die Update)
Before the 87th Texas Legislature convened, the Lubbock Chamber highlighted a handful of key issues that we were keeping an eye on throughout the session. Beyond our top issues, we tracked more than 400 pieces of legislation spanning all sectors and topics from agriculture, healthcare, COVID-19, local control, energy, and more.
With Sine Die now in the rearview mirror, here are the additional bills that reach Governor Abbott’s desk before the end of the session.
Broadband Legislation
One of the Chamber’s top priorities this session was enhanced broadband access for areas in Texas that needed it most. From online education and business to telemedicine, access to reliable broadband is necessary for West Texas to remain healthy and competitive today.
HB 5 reached the Governor’s desk following a bipartisan vote of support in the House and Senate. It creates a state broadband office in the office of the Comptroller. The legislation creates a statewide broadband plan, the Broadband Development Account for funding, and would create the Broadband Development Program to award grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives to expand broadband access and adoption.
HB 1505 directs $75 million to replace old electric utility poles that have outlived their useful purpose to encourage investment in replacement infrastructure for broadband providers. It passed 31-0 in the Senate and 128-17 in the House.
HB 3853 would allow electric utilities to lease out their existing infrastructure to internet service providers, allowing for partnerships in delivering “middle mile” broadband fiber to businesses, schools, medical centers, and homes. The legislation passed 30-0 in the Senate and 145-0 in the House.
SB 507 amends state highway right-of-way laws to allow broadband-only providers to access TxDOT rights-of-way. It passed the Senate 31-0 and 148-0 in the House.
Healthcare Legislation
HB 4 makes permanent certain temporary Medicaid/CHIP waivers related to telemedicine, allowing patients covered by Medicaid or CHIP to continue accessing care from a physician remotely as society emerges from the pandemic. It passed unanimously in the Senate and the House.
HB 133 extends the length of time that new mothers are covered by Medicaid from 60 days to six months. It passed with just one dissenting vote in the Senate and 135-9 in the House.
