TAX EXEMPTION ON CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT: A recent study found that Texas could significantly increase broadband network investment, increase gross state product, and create thousands of jobs by eliminating its sales tax on communications network equipment. TCA, along with other communications providers, will advocate for a sales tax exemption on communications network equipment.
Legislation filed: CSHB 1133 by Otto and CSSB 1330 by Estes
Read April 24 opinion editorial in the Austin American-Statesma
CABLE SUBSCRIBER TAX CUTS: Texans are burdened with some of the highest cable and telecom taxes in the country – and cable video customers pay an average of over 14% in taxes on their monthly cable bill. TCA is supporting legislative options to reduce the amount of sales taxes paid by cable customers. Learn more.
Legislation filed of interest: HB 1900 by Eiland and SB 1465 by Estes. Stay tuned for more information.
Read Austin Business Journal article about this legislation.
POLE ATTACHMENTS: TCA is supporting legislation – a unified agreement between the electric cooperatives and cable companies – that will address cable and co-op pole attachment issues.
Legislation filed: HB 3355 by Cook
TEXAS UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (TUSF) REFORM: As part of the USF Reform Coalition, TCA has been working for a number of years to reform the Texas Universal Service Fund so that Texans are not required to pay taxes to subsidize phone companies that that are not in high cost rural areas. TCA is working with small and rural phone companies to make sure that subsidies are continued if truly needed.
Legislation filed: CSSB 583 by Carona