SB123 Summary

• Amends the Connect Alabama Act of 2021 to establish the minimum service threshold for broadband at 100 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, matching the Federal Communications Commission definition of advanced telecommunications capability.

• Authorizes the Alabama Digital Expansion Division chief to enter nondisclosure agreements to protect provider-specific information, which is presumed confidential and proprietary and not considered a public record.

• Allows funding amounts for Connect Alabama grant programs to be evaluated for annual increase or decrease based on recommendations from the division and approval by the authority, replacing the original three-year fixed allocation requirement.

• Permits ADECA to establish additional Connect Alabama grant programs in accordance with the statewide connectivity plan goals, with all funds expended according to plan objectives and applicable legal requirements.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.