CA AB2163

Establishes the Rural Broadband and Emergency Infrastructure Grant Act of 2020 to ensure all California fairgrounds have adequate broadband and telecommunications infrastructure for emergency and disaster response operations.

Requires the Department of Technology, Department of Food and Agriculture, Public Utilities Commission, California Broadband Council, and Office of Emergency Services to jointly develop a grant program providing funding to California fairgrounds for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure deployment upon appropriation.

Directs grant funds to support critical broadband infrastructure and emergency communications systems sufficient for emergency shelter and response activities at fairgrounds statewide.

Requires grant applications to include assurances that local emergency responders, government, business, community, and agriculture stakeholders participate in needs assessment processes with local priorities prioritized.

Intends grant funds to maximize broadband access at fairgrounds while fostering new economic opportunities in neighboring communities.