SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5917
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 11, 2009
Title: An act relating to developing a statewide map of high-speed internet availability and adoption.
Brief Description: Conducting an assessment of high-speed internet service in the state.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Kauffman, Oemig, Rockefeller, Kastama, Marr, Hatfield, Pflug, Keiser, Ranker, Hewitt, Pridemore, Honeyford, Schoesler and Delvin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/12/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: In 2008 the Department of Information Services (DIS) was directed to convene a High-Speed Internet Strategy Work Group (the work group) and work with it to develop a statewide High-Speed Internet Deployment and Adoption Strategy. DIS and the work group released the strategy in December of 2008. Included in the strategy were recommendations that maps and inventories of the state's high-speed internet infrastructure be developed, that the state seek funding in the form of grants and donations from a variety of entities, and that DIS be authorized to coordinate the entire deployment and adoption strategy.
Summary of Bill: DIS is to 1) create and maintain a geographic information system map of public high-speed internet services in the state, 2) contract with a nongovernmental entity to map private high-speed internet services in the state, and 3) combine the two maps. DIS is to use the combined map to identify gaps in service and is also to track adoption of high-speed internet. To spur the development of high-speed internet resources, DIS may apply for and receive federal and private funding. No other entity in the state is eligible to receive a grant under the Federal Broadband Data Improvement Act.
The Broadband Development and Deployment Account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer and is to be used to fund activities specified in the bill.
The work group is reconvened and is to prepare a report that identifies priority areas for deployment of telecommunications infrastructure and includes both a proposed schedule and cost estimates for reaching the priority areas.
The act is null and void if funding for it is not received by June 30, 2011.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 11, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2009.