SB 234 Summary

• Establishes the Office of Broadband within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to expand broadband access and digital equity through federal and local partnerships.

• Prioritizes broadband expansion in unserved areas, underserved areas, and anchor institutions (schools, libraries, health care facilities, and similar entities).

• Creates the Broadband Parity Adjustment Fund to offset costs of broadband services for consumers and make grants to eligible beneficiaries including residents, businesses, nonprofits, local governments, tribal organizations, and Native entities.

• Establishes the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board composed of 11 members including two state commissioners and nine governor-appointed representatives from local government, Alaska Native corporations, tribal governments, school districts, University of Alaska, health care, business, broadband industry, and broadband consumers.

• Sunsets all provisions on June 30, 2030, and takes effect immediately.