Voters will be asked Nov. 7 to approve a state constitutional amendment that could create a $1.5 billion Broadband Infrastructure Fund.

The big picture

House Bill 9, filed by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, would create the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund. The bill is accompanied by House Joint Resolution 125, which proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval to create the fund.

According to the Texas Legislature, the amendment will help expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects such as:
  • Funding Next Generation 911 upgrades
  • Supporting connectivity for schools
  • Saving taxpayer dollars
  • Helping close the digital divide
  • Fast-tracking broadband expansion
A closer look

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, along with local leaders and Proposition 8 supporters, visited the Montgomery County Emergency Communication District on Oct. 3 in Conroe.


The MCECD provides the administration of the communications and technology infrastructure of the 911 system within Montgomery County. Representatives of the district discussed how the Broadband Infrastructure Fund could help launch the Next Generation 911 program and enhance emergency communication among first responders.

According to a presentation by MCECD officials, 911 is moving from analog to digital, which will help create more accurate locations, speed up response times and streamline first responder safety. Funding for the upgrades include:
  • $78 million in new annual operating costs statewide
  • 18% increase for Montgomery County 911 operating costs
  • $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the 87th Texas legislative session in 2021 for implementation and one year of operating costs
  • $155.2 million from the proposed Broadband Infrastructure Fund for two years of operating costs
“The Legislature had the foresight, as we are looking to the constitutional amendment this November, not just [to focus] on broadband connectivity, but also to make sure that we have the next generation of capabilities in the state of Texas,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “When we have an emergency, when we have a crisis, we need 911 to be operating at the fastest, quickest level for our first responders.”

What else?

The campaign also included a demonstration of the RAVE 9-1-1 Panic Button, an emergency alerting system that will be required for all school districts statewide by fall 2025.


According to the presentation, the MCECD partnered with all five Montgomery County school districts to implement the panic button in place for the current school year ahead of deadline.

The system:
  • Makes a 911 call
  • Alerts all five Montgomery County 911 call centers
  • Simultaneously alerts all faculty and staff
  • Allows for continuous communication for situational updates
  • Provides first responders with campus maps and floor plans
  • Is accessed via a smartphone app
Keep in mind

Leslie Pardue, executive director of Texas Broadband Now, said Proposition 8 will not cost taxpayers any additional money. Early voting will begin Oct. 23.