Title
A resolution expressing City Council's support for Issue 3 on the April 4, 2017 municipal ballot, exempting Colorado Springs from Senate Bill 152, and reestablishing the city's authority to facilitate, partner, or coordinate with service providers to provide advanced telecommunications services to its citizens, restoring local authority that was taken away by state law
Presenter:
Councilmember Bill Murray
Body
Summary:
The resolution expresses City Council's support for the passage of Issue 3 on the April 2017 municipal ballot, relating to exempting Colorado Springs from Senate Bill 152.
Previous Council Action:
On January 10, 2017, City Council adopted Resolution 4-17, referring this issue to the April 2017 municipal ballot.
Background:
Colorado statutes require an affirmative vote of the people before municipalities can provide or partner with the private sector to provide broadband services, vital for both commercial and residential consumers, within their jurisdictions. According to a recent analysis by the Colorado Municipal League, 65 Colorado municipalities have thus far approved broadband ballot issues, with every such issue being approved overwhelmingly by voters.
One of the biggest impediments to local governments enhancing broadband infrastructure is a 2005 Colorado state law commonly referred to as "SB 152" (Senate Bill 05-152, codified at sections 29-27-101-304, C.R.S.). SB 152 took away local power and requires that an election be held before a city or county government may "engage or offer to engage in providing" various telecommunication services.
El Paso County voters overwhelmingly approved the proposed measure for the county in the November 2016 election, and the voters in numerous cities and counties throughout Colorado have adopted similar measures. .
Through a successful SB 152 election, local governments can assist in providing broadband opportunities, including enhanced broadband infrastructure to attract...
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