HB 2886 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Modifies provisions for the broadband grant program

HB 2886 updates Missouri's broadband grant program to fund projects expanding high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. It defines "unserved" areas as lacking 500 Mbps download/upload speeds and "underserved" areas as lacking 750 Mbps speeds, requiring new projects to prioritize 500 Mbps or higher speeds (matching FCC standards). Grants must be used exclusively for broadband infrastructure, with strict repayment rules if funds are misused. The program expires in 2030 unless renewed by the legislature.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 8, 2026 Last action Apr 9, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → House Committee Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to repeal an additional statute (620.2456) and add a new section, increasing the total number of new sections from four to five. The definition of 'underserved' and 'unserved' areas was adjusted to lower the required internet speeds, making more locations eligible for grants. Additionally, a new requirement was added to publish proposed grant results online within three business days, and the right of first refusal for second-place federal applicants now requires state approval.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded by adding a repeal for section 620.2456 and creating a new section, while eligibility criteria were broadened by lowering speed thresholds for broadband access.

SCOPE

The bill now repeals section 620.2456 in addition to the original four sections, and the total count of new sections enacted increased from four to five.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of 'underserved areas' was changed to require 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload instead of 750/750 Mbps, and 'unserved areas' was changed to require 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload instead of 500/500 Mbps, making more locations eligible for funding.

TIMELINE

A new requirement mandates that the department publish proposed grant results and speeds on its website within three business days after the application process closes.

REQUIREMENT

The right of first refusal for second-place federal applicants to accept recovered funds now requires explicit approval from the state broadband office.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 10 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Voted Do Pass (H)

lower

Apr 2, 2026

Committee

Referred: Rules - Administrative(H)

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 17 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Voted Do Pass (H)

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Referred: Economic Development(H)

lower

Jan 8, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and Read First Time (H)

lower

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors