CO HB1328

Creates the Broadband Deployment Board, a 16-member independent board in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to administer grants for broadband deployment in unserved areas of Colorado.

Establishes the Broadband Fund funded by allocations from the Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM), with $200,000 dedicated to board administrative costs and remaining funds for broadband infrastructure grants.

Defines "unserved areas" as areas outside municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents where a majority of households lack access to both satellite and non-satellite broadband providers, or any portion of state/interstate highways lacking broadband access.

Requires applicants to secure at least 25% independent funding, provide performance bonds, and complete projects within two years, with grants limited to infrastructure purposes only and not operational costs.

Provides incumbent broadband providers a "right of first refusal" to deploy broadband in unserved areas identified in grant applications, with one year to commit to providing service or allow other eligible applicants to proceed.