2021 House Bill 4210

Exempt some developers' “broadband equipment” from personal property tax

Introduced in the House

Feb. 10, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Beth Griffin (R-66)

To exempt “broadband equipment” owned by certain internet developers claiming to serve "underserved areas" from personal property taxes levied on business tools and equipment. The bill is connected to Senate Bill 46, and the Senate Fiscal Agency is unable to quantify the amount of foregone revenue the tax subsidies they promise would cost the state, in part because the bills would permit developers to claim them in areas where broadband internet may already be available.

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

March 9, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 16, 2021

Amendment offered by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-38)

To require that "all records relating to" the special treatment the bill would authorize be subject to disclosure "to the full extent provided for under the freedom of information act. Also, to exclude the broadband companies that take these tax subsidies from a 6% property tax credit also given to other broadband companies.

The amendment failed by voice vote

March 17, 2021

Passed in the House 59 to 50 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 18, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

March 25, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Passed in the Senate 20 to 15 (details)

To exempt “broadband equipment” owned by certain internet developers claiming to serve "underserved areas" from personal property taxes levied on business tools and equipment. The bill is connected to Senate Bill 46, and the Senate Fiscal Agency is unable to quantify the amount of foregone revenue the tax subsidies they promise would cost the state, in part because the bills would permit developers to claim them in areas where broadband internet may already be available.

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

April 14, 2021