SB215 - Connect Alabama Act of 2021

• Creates the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to advise, review, and approve a statewide broadband connectivity plan, with members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and state officials.

• Establishes the Alabama Digital Expansion Division within ADECA to develop and implement the statewide connectivity plan, promote broadband expansion in rural and unserved areas, and administer a broadband accessibility grant program.

• Creates the Connect Alabama Fund in the State Treasury to receive appropriations, federal funds, gifts, and grants, with 70 percent of state funds directed to last-mile infrastructure in unserved areas for the first three years.

• Authorizes the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation to issue bonds up to $250 million per fiscal year to fund eligible broadband projects, with bonds being limited obligations of the corporation rather than state debt.

• Requires ADECA to submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning one year after enactment, detailing statewide connectivity plan goals, funds received, grants awarded, and division activities.