Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee
SB 5188
Brief Description: Concerning broadband infrastructure repair loans.
Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Hansen, Lovick, Kauffman, Krishnadasan, Nobles and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Public Works Board to issue loans to assist in funding broadband infrastructure repair and replacement.
  • Expands the allowable uses of the Public Works Board Broadband Service Expansion Grant and Loan Program to include repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Hearing Date: 2/4/26
Staff: Robert Hatfield (786-7117).
Background:

The Public Works Board (PWB) within the Department of Commerce assists local governments in addressing local infrastructure and public works projects by providing loans, grants, financing guarantees, and technical assistance.

 

The PWB administers the Broadband Service Expansion Grant and Loan Program (Program), which awards funding to eligible applicants in order to promote the expansion of access to broadband service in unserved areas of the state.  Eligible applicants include, among others, local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, cooperative associations, limited liability corporations organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access, and incorporated businesses or partnerships.  Program applications must include specified information such as:

  • the location of the project;
  • evidence regarding the unserved nature of the community in the project location; and
  • evidence that no later than six weeks before submission of the application, the applicant contacted all entities providing broadband service near the proposed project area to inquire whether there were upgrade plans within the same time frame as the proposed project. 
Summary of Bill:

The Broadband Service Expansion Grant and Loan Program is modified to authorize loans for the purposes of repair and replacement of middle mile and last mile broadband infrastructure.  To be eligible, a project must demonstrate the number of households whose broadband service would be upgraded or maintained.  In evaluating loan applications, the PWB must give priority to applications in areas that would be unserved if repair or replacement did not take place.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.