SB 1405 - Broadband subsidies expansion

SB 1405 expands the Texas Broadband Development Office’s authority and significantly increases government involvement in broadband deployment, using over $1.5 billion in taxpayer money. The bill broadens state power to issue grants and loans for vague “digital opportunity” projects, opening the door to questionable spending with little accountability. It also repeals oversight mechanisms like the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, eliminating checks and balances. By removing the sales tax on internet service, the bill further narrows the tax base without reducing spending. From a fiscally conservative perspective, this bill grows government and subsidizes private infrastructure. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 1405.