HB3953 - Relating to a study by the broadband development office on Internet service for multiunit residential properties.

  89R1750 CS-D     By: Morales of Harris H.B. No. 3953       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study by the broadband development office on Internet   service for multiunit residential properties.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS. In this Act:                (1)  "Broadband service" means Internet service with   the capability of providing:                      (A)  a speed of not less than 100 megabits per   second for a download;                      (B)  a speed of not less than 20 megabits per   second for an upload; and                      (C)  a network round-trip latency of less than or   equal to 100 milliseconds based on the 95th percentile of speed   measurements.                (2)  "Multiunit residential property" means improved   real property with at least 75 dwelling units, including an   apartment building or condominium. The term does not include a   hotel, motel, single-family home, or duplex.                (3)  "Office" means the broadband development office.          SECTION 2.  STUDY ON BROADBAND ACCESS FOR MULTIUNIT   RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. (a) The office shall conduct a study on   the availability of access to Internet service for residents of   multiunit residential properties in this state.          (b)  The study must:                (1)  identify areas that lack physical infrastructure   necessary for the provision of broadband service for multiunit   residential properties;                (2)  compare:                      (A)  the number of broadband service providers   that serve multiunit residential properties in urban areas to the   number that serve single-family homes in urban areas; and                      (B)  average internet speeds available in urban   areas to multiunit residential properties and to single-family   homes;                (3)  estimate the average cost of broadband service in   multiunit residential properties in urban areas;                (4)  determine the percentage of multiunit residential   properties in urban areas that have access to Internet service   providers that are capable of providing reliable broadband service;                (5)  assess Internet service downtime and consistency   of Internet speeds for multiunit residential properties;                (6)  assess the availability and usage of broadband   affordability programs for multiunit residential properties in   urban areas;                (7)  assess the effects for tenants of a multiunit   residential property of the property owner entering into an   exclusive contract with an Internet service provider for the entire   property, including effects on service costs;                (8)  assess the effects of municipal regulations and an   absence of municipal regulations on broadband service   infrastructure deployment in areas with a high concentration of   multiunit residential properties; and                (9)  where possible, include an assessment of whether   the factors described above differ in low-income areas and   higher-income areas.          SECTION 3.  REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE. Not later than   December 1, 2026, the office shall submit to the governor, the   lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,   and each standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction   over broadband service a report that includes the results of the   study and any recommendations of the office related to the study.          SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September   1, 2025.