HB 1701-S2.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Designates the department of information services as the single eligible entity in the state for purposes of the federal broadband data improvement act.

Requires the department of information services to: (1) Consult with the department of community, trade, and economic development or it successor agency, the office of financial management, and the utilities and transportation commission in coordinating broadband mapping activities; and

(2) Establish an accountability and oversight structure to ensure that there is transparency in the bidding and contracting process and full financial and technical accountability for any information or actions taken by a third-party contractor creating this map.

Authorizes the department of information services to: (1) Develop an interactive web site to allow residents to self-report on internet availability;

(2) Conduct a detailed survey of all high-speed internet infrastructure owned or leased by state agencies;

(3) Create a geographic information system map of all high-speed internet infrastructure owned or leased by the state;

(4) Procure on behalf of the state a geographic information system map detailing high-speed internet infrastructure, service availability, and adoption;

(5) Apply for federal funds and other grants or donations and deposit such funds in the Washington community technology opportunity account;

(6) Oversee implementation of federally funded or mandated broadband programs for the state; and

(7) Subject to the availability of federal or state funding, reconvene the high-speed internet work group previously established by chapter 262, Laws of 2008.

Renames the work group as the advisory council on digital inclusion.

Transfers the community technology opportunity program from Washington State University to the department of information services.

Authorizes the governor to take steps necessary to carry out the purposes of the broadband provisions of the American recovery and reinvestment act.

Creates the broadband mapping account.

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