SB 1499

REFERENCE TITLE: telecommunication providers; rural areas
State of Arizona
Senate
Fifty-seventh Legislature
Second Regular Session
2026
SB 1499
Introduced by
Senator
  Gowan
AN
ACT
amending title 41, chapter 4, article 1,
arizona revised statutes, by adding section 41-710.04; relating to the
department of administration.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 41, chapter 4, article 1,
Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 41-710.04, to read:
START_STATUTE41-710.04. Telecommunications service provider; rural areas; definition
A. Notwithstanding any other law, the
department shall negotiate and enter into a contract with a telecommunications
service provider to provide telecommunications services in rural or underserved
areas of this state.
B. For the purposes of this section,
"Telecommunications service provider":
1. Means an entity that offers voice,
data or video transmission for a fee.
2. Includes:
(a) Traditional
telephone companies.
(b) Broadband
providers.
(c) Cell phone
carriers. END_STATUTE