HB 1498 - DIGEST |
Creates the governor's statewide broadband office to encourage, foster, develop, and improve affordable, quality broadband in order to: (1) Drive job creation, promote innovation, improve economic vitality, and expand markets for businesses; |
(2) Serve the ongoing and growing needs of education, health care, and public safety systems, industries and business, governmental operations, and citizens; and |
(3) Improve broadband accessibility for unserved and underserved communities. |
Requires the public works board to establish a competitive grant and loan program to award funding to eligible applicants to promote the expansion of access to broadband service in unserved and underserved areas. |
Expands the purpose of the state universal communications services program to include the provision of all communications services, including voice and broadband services. |
Creates the statewide broadband account. |
Delays, until July 1, 2025, the expiration date for the state universal communications services program. |