By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó A controversial bill governing the way North Carolina cities can sell high-speed Internet and other communication services is one step closer to becoming law.
The N.C. Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday night for House Bill 129, which is scheduled for a third and final reading this afternoon.
Salisburyís exemption from most of the restrictions in the bill remains intact. Officials fought to exempt Salisbury to avoid changes to Fibrant, the cityís fledgling broadband network.
Salisbury leaders argued that changing the rules after cities had borrowed millions of dollars to launch broadband businesses was unfair and would harm their ability to pay back the debt.
Lawmakers agreed to carve out cities with systems already up and running. Salisbury can sell Fibrant anywhere in Rowan County, as long as the city has the blessing of town aldermen, county commissioners or school board members.
An amendment that would ban adult programming from city-owned broadband networks remained tabled Monday night.
The Senate did adopt an amendment from N.C. Sen. Andrew Brock, a Republican representing Rowan and Davie counties, requiring cities to comply with the stateís open bidding procedures if they try to sell broadband services to economic development sites outside the city service area, Brock said.
Supporters of the bill say it will protect taxpayers by requiring voter approval before a city borrows money to launch a broadband system. Cities not exempt from the bill will pay taxes and fees private providers currently pay.
If approved today by the Senate, the bill will go back to the House, where it originated. If House members concur with the bill, it will head to Gov. Bev Perdueís desk for her consideration.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.