CA SB1462

Establishes the California Broadband Council in state government to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and broadband adoption throughout California.

Council membership includes the State Chief Information Officer, Public Utilities Commission President, Secretary of California Emergency Management, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Director of General Services, Secretary of Business/Transportation/Housing, President of California Emerging Technology Fund, one Senate member, and one Assembly member.

Council duties include coordinating state agency participation in federal broadband initiatives, sharing information to maximize federal and private funding opportunities, implementing recommendations from the 2008 Broadband Task Force Report, and identifying opportunities for agencies to share broadband-related facilities and resources.

First meeting required by March 1, 2011, with the Public Utilities Commission President serving as chair; subsequent meetings must occur at least three times annually with a chair chosen by council members.

Council is subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act and must provide stakeholder groups opportunities to provide input on broadband issues at public meetings and through other forums such as public hearings and advisory committees.