HB 3953

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
(A)  a speed of not less than 100 megabits per
(B)  a speed of not less than 20 megabits per
(C)  a network round-trip latency of less than or
equal to 100 milliseconds based on the 95th percentile of speed
(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.
(1)  identify areas that lack physical infrastructure
necessary for the provision of broadband service for multiunit
(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
(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
(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
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