SB 5916-S2.E - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/2009)

Declares it is essential that the legislature authorize a broadband programs management structure and an advisory council capable of developing and ensuring the implementation of statewide broadband strategies.

Provides that the authority for overseeing broadband adoption and deployment efforts in the state is vested in the department of information services.

Authorizes the department of information services to apply for and oversee implementation of federally funded or mandated broadband programs and to adopt rules to administer the programs. The department is the single eligible entity in the state to receive a grant under the federal broadband data improvement act and funding received by the department under the federal broadband data improvement act must be used in accordance with the requirements of that act and, subject to those requirements, may be distributed by the department on a competitive basis to other entities in the state to achieve the purposes of that act.

Requires the department of information services to reconvene the high-speed internet work group previously established by chapter 262, Laws of 2008. The work group is renamed the advisory council on digital inclusion and is an advisory group to the department of information services.

Provides that the act is null and void if appropriations are not approved.