5693-S.E AMH KRET VANJ 097

ESSB 5693 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-2871.1/22) 1211

By Representative Kretz

ADOPTED 02/26/2022

On page 100, line 21, after "establish" strike all material through "program" on line 25 and insert "broadband assistance programs. Of the amount provided in this subsection:

(a) $48,000,000 of the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2023 is provided solely for the office to implement a program to provide eligible households with assistance of up to $20 per month to defray the cost of broadband services. A household is eligible for assistance under (a) of this subsection if it receives a benefit through the federal affordable connectivity program; and

(b) $2,000,000 of the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2023 is provided solely for the office to implement a program to expand internet access for eligible households by offsetting the costs of purchasing and installing equipment to access a low-orbit satellite broadband network. A household is eligible to receive assistance under (b) of this subsection if it is a low- or moderate-income household in a county in which the median income is less than 75 percent of the state median household income"

EFFECT: (1) Reduces the General Fund - State provided for the Statewide Broadband Office in the Department of Commerce to provide assistance to defray the cost of broadband services for households receiving a benefit through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program by $2.0 million.

(2) Provides $2.0 million General Fund - State for the Statewide Broadband Office to implement a program to expand internet access for low- and moderate-income households by offsetting the costs of purchasing and installing equipment to access a low-orbit satellite broadband network.

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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