Arizona House bill by Rep. Dunn establishes broadband service district authority

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Timothy “Tim” Dunn seeks to create a broadband service district authority to enhance infrastructure, oversee funding, and expedite broadband deployment in underserved areas, according to the Arizona State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of May 7, clearing the House by a vote of 57-0 and the Senate by a vote of 26-0.

The bill, introduced as SB1661 on Feb. 3, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘broadband service district authority; formation’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes a broadband service district authority aimed at enhancing broadband infrastructure. The authority is tasked with facilitating the construction, deployment, and maintenance of broadband services, particularly in underserved or unserved areas. It will oversee and manage funding, set and monitor performance targets, and create policies to expedite service deployment. Additionally, the authority can enter into contracts with private entities, accept charitable donations, and apply for grants. However, it is prohibited from imposing, levying, assessing, or collecting any taxes on individuals, businesses, or entities.

In the House, 25 Democrats and 32 Republicans voted in favor, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, nine Democrats and 17 Republicans voted in favor, also with no opposing votes.

Dunn introduced the bill in the Arizona Senate on Feb. 3 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

Dunn graduated from the University of Arizona in 1989 with a BS.

Timothy Dunn is currently serving in the Arizona State Senate, representing the state’s 25th Senate District. He replaced previous state senator Sine Kerr in 2025.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 13.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.