DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate panel has abandoned Gov. Terry Branstad’s broadband bill and instead approved different legislation aimed at expanding high-speed Internet in Iowa.
Members of an economic growth subcommittee approved a bill Thursday that focuses more heavily on the infrastructure of building out broadband, also known as high-speed Internet. The bill has no grant program for service providers but expands a property tax offer.
The bill now heads to a full committee for consideration.
Sen. Steven Sodders, a Democrat from State Center, says Branstad’s bill needed stronger language on expanding a fiber-optic network, which experts say is the best system for robust service.
Sodders is sponsor of the remaining bill and says it incorporates aspects of Branstad’s legislation. He plans to meet with House leaders to ensure there is cohesive legislation.
