SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5577
As of February 7, 2023
Title: An act relating to establishing and making appropriations for the capital broadband investment acceleration program.
Brief Description: Establishing and making appropriations for the capital broadband investment acceleration program.
Sponsors: Senators Torres, Boehnke, Dozier and King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Energy & Technology: 2/08/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes the Capital Broadband Investment Acceleration Program (program) within the Governor's Statewide Broadband Office as a competitive grant program to increase broadband access in unserved areas.
  • Appropriates $200 million from the State Building Construction Account to the Department of Commerce for the program.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
Staff: Angela Kleis (786-7469)
Background:

In 2019, the Governor's Statewide Broadband Office (SBO) was established within the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to encourage, foster, develop, and improve affordable, quality broadband within the state. The SBO's powers and duties include serving as the central broadband planning body for the state.
Summary of Bill:

The Capital Broadband Investment Acceleration Program (program) is established within the SBO as a competitive grant program to increase broadband access in unserved areas. Funding must be awarded as match funding that is required to participate in federal broadband infrastructure programs. Projects that serve distressed areas and rural counties must be prioritized for grant funding. 

 

Eligible applications include local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, cooperative associations, multiparty entities comprised of public entity members, limited liability corporations organized to expand broadband access, and incorporated businesses or partnerships.

 

No more than 3 percent of the funds appropriated for the program may be expended by the SBO, the Public Works Board, and the Community Economic Revitalization Board for administration of the program. No more than 3 percent of each grant may be expended by the grant recipient for management or administration of the grant.
Appropriation: The bill contains an appropriation totaling $200,000,000 from the State Building Construction Account.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.