BEAM; amend definitions for "applicant" and "eligible project" and add "retail end user."
SB 2783 amends Mississippi's broadband grant program definitions to distinguish between projects serving retail end users (homes/businesses) and other projects. It redefines "applicant" to require retail-focused applicants to be qualified broadband providers with state authorization and proven resources, while other applicants only need standard grant eligibility. The bill also clarifies "eligible project" for retail projects as discrete initiatives in unserved areas, and updates "broadband service" to require minimum speeds (100 Mbps down/20 Mbps up). These changes directly affect entities applying for state broadband grants under the BEAM program, ensuring clearer eligibility criteria for funding.
Bill status
died
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2026
Last action Mar 3, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
As Introduced
→
Current version
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended during Senate passage to improve clarity and consistency in its definitions. The primary changes involve formatting adjustments to the title and purpose statement, plus a new definition for 'retail end user' that clarifies who qualifies as a retail customer. These changes help ensure the bill's language is more precise and easier to understand for all stakeholders.
Scope change
The bill's overall scope remains focused on broadband infrastructure funding, but the clarification of 'retail end user' may affect how projects are categorized between those serving retail customers versus other eligible projects.
DEFINITION
Added a new definition for 'retail end user' to clarify that it includes any person or entity purchasing broadband for their own use or to provide service to others.
Adjusted formatting in the definition of 'applicant' to ensure consistency with the new 'retail end user' definition language.
Updated the definition of 'eligible project' to maintain parallel structure between projects funding retail services and other eligible projects.
TECHNICAL
Corrected formatting inconsistencies in the bill title and purpose statement to improve readability and professional presentation.
Floor votes · Senate Feb 11, 2026
How they voted
52–0
Passed
Total votes 52
Feb 11, 2026
D
Democratic18
100% Yea
R
Republican34
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Feb 16, 2026
Committee
Referred To Public Utilities
lower
Feb 16, 2026
Introduced
Transmitted To House
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed As Amended
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Amended
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Title Suff Do Pass
upper
Jan 19, 2026
Committee
Referred To Energy
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rita Parks
RRepublican
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