Rep. Hall files broadband funding bill in North Carolina House

A new bill filed by State Rep. Kyle Hall in the North Carolina House seeks to update broadband funding and grant programs, focusing on infrastructure repair and service eligibility, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 838 on April 8 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘DIT Agency Broadband Bill.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill revises broadband laws related to the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, focusing on grants and funding adjustments. Part I repeals certain statutes and redirects funds for fixed wireless and satellite broadband grants, prioritizing disaster-affected counties and specific sectors like emergency services. Part II enables funding for broadband infrastructure repairs related to Hurricane Helene, with a $50 million cap sourced from a previous appropriation. Part III modifies the Broadband Pole Replacement Program, allowing reimbursements and expanding the definition of qualified projects and eligibility criteria. Part IV grants funding flexibility across specific programs, and Part V allows the Utilities Commission to designate eligible telecommunications carriers for Lifeline services. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with specific provisions retaining eligibility for previous expenses.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Hall proposed the most bills (32) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Hall graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 with a BA.

Hall, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2015 to represent the state’s 91st House district, replacing previous state representative Bryan Holloway.