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FL S1726
Bill
AI Summary
- Establishes the Broadband Deployment Task Force within the Department of Economic Opportunity to provide recommendations on deploying broadband Internet service statewide, including rural buildout and urban adoption strategies
- Task force membership includes representatives from six state agencies, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, two public members appointed by the Governor (one from an underserved area, one from an unserved area), and six broadband industry representatives, all to be appointed by September 1, 2022
- Task force duties include identifying federal funding sources, mapping broadband coverage gaps, developing expansion strategies for rural areas of opportunity, creating an urban affordability strategy, and recommending outreach for the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, with an initial report due to the Governor and Legislature by December 30, 2023
- Grants awarded using federal funds must follow applicable federal terms, guidelines, and criteria, rather than being subject to state restrictions that limit grants to governmental entities or educational institutions only in unserved areas
- Removes specific written challenge requirements that allowed existing broadband providers to block grant applications and establishes seven full-time equivalent positions within the Office of Broadband to support strategic planning, federal grant implementation, and GIS mapping of broadband availability
Legislative Description
Broadband
Last Action
Died in Commerce and Tourism
3/14/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available