The Tennessee legislature has passed a bill that could make it easier for rural areas to get access to the internet. During debate in the House Monday evening, lawmakers said they hoped the bill would be a start to getting everyone across the state connected. Gov. Bill Haslam has been the chief proponent of the bill which is called the Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017. Several local governments, including Crossville and Cumberland County, have passed resolutions encouraging the legislation. The measure clears the way for nonprofit electric co-ops to provide both internet and video service. It also gives $45 million in grants and tax credits to co-ops and internet service providers to encourage the development of internet in areas that don’t have it.