HB 2099 Summary

• Creates a "Broadband Fund" administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to support grants for internet service providers and broadband development in Arkansas.

• Establishes a grant program through reverse auction for internet service providers to serve underserved and unserved areas, with minimum speed requirements of 10 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload for unserved areas and FCC-defined broadband speeds for underserved areas.

• Transfers $3,000,000 annually from the Arkansas High Cost Fund (AHCF) to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management for 911 services, including Smart911 system ($600,000), SmartPrepare system ($225,000), 911 administration ($175,000), and county 911 public safety answering points ($2,000,000).

• Increases the Extension of Telecommunications Facilities Fund allocation from $500,000 to support broadband extension and creates the Arkansas 911 Rural Enhancement Program Fund with $3,000,000 annual allocation.

• Clarifies references to the Arkansas Public Service Commission throughout the AHCF statute and adds annual reporting requirements by the AHCF administrator and Arkansas Economic Development Commission to relevant legislative committees.