May 30, 2005

Victory

The Texas Legislature has declared sine die: the session is over. HB 789 is dead. Texas has turned its back on special interest legislation to ban muni networks.

There were some tense moments after the conference committee adjourned. The phone company lobbyists refused to admit defeat and continued pushing for their legislation. Now, however, it's beyond the reach of even the powerful telco lobby.

So, we win—for now.

Although we prevailed this time, the struggle continues. Our challenge is to turn this debate around. Rather than battling special interest legislation, we need to develop a true broadband policy that serves the interest of Texas.

Thanks to everybody who has supported us and helped to achieve this remarkable victory. Please stay tuned. There is an awful lot of work to do.

Posted by chip at May 30, 2005 10:47 PM
Comments

Unfortunately this is only one of many laws being presented against muni-wifi. Do you have a log of progress up to this point to help these other organizations/areas still fighting for this right? The community needs as much help / cooperation in this respect as possible. Way to go Texas!

Posted by: Jon Sullivan at May 31, 2005 01:37 PM

Here comes /.

Posted by: David at May 31, 2005 02:46 PM

Good news. Always nice to find a good victory on this front in my home state.

Keep up the good work, and keep fighting the good fight.

Posted by: wah at May 31, 2005 04:16 PM

Jon - For information on the national effort, see the Free Press Community Internet web site.

http://www.freepress.net/communityinternet/

Posted by: chip at May 31, 2005 05:00 PM