The Senate Economic Development Committee has approved a bill that would assist the expansion of broadband service to unserved areas of West Virginia.
The bill, SB 485, would do this by providing loan insurance for commercial loans used for the expansion of broadband service to unserved or underserved areas.
The bill will be referred to Senate Finance once reported to the floor.
Aside from the bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Randy Smith, R-Tucker, the bill has 11 co-sponsors including Senators Sue Cline, Ryan Ferns, Kenny Mann, Mark Maynard, Richard Ojeda, Patricia Rucker, Dave Sypolt, Jeff Mullins, Ed Gaunch, Mike Maroney and Robert Plymale.
