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GA HB336
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/10/2017
Primary Sponsor
Don Parsons
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AI Summary
- Counties, municipalities, and consolidated governments may apply to the Department of Economic Development for certification as "broadband ready communities" by enacting ordinances that streamline the permitting process for broadband network projects (defined as capable of at least 10 Mbps downstream/1 Mbps upstream)
- Certified broadband ready communities must appoint a single point of contact for broadband projects, determine application completeness within 10 days, and approve or deny complete applications within 60 days — with applications automatically approved if the jurisdiction fails to respond
- Certified communities are prohibited from imposing application fees exceeding $100, placing moratoriums on broadband project permits, discriminating among telecom providers, or requiring applicants to provide services or payments to the local government as a condition of approval
- The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is required to produce an annual "Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia" report, due to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1 each year, with a goal of making broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps downstream/3 Mbps upstream available to 99.5% of households and 99.8% of businesses by 2024
- The Department of Economic Development may decertify a community upon request of a broadband service provider if the local government fails to comply with its ordinance or violates the act's requirements, and is directed to develop a model ordinance and promulgate rules and regulations
Legislative Description
Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia Act; enact
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/22/2018
Full Bill Text
No bill text available