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