HI HB597

Establishes one full-time equivalent permanent broadband coordinator position within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, exempt from civil service requirements and reporting directly to the department director.

Requires the broadband coordinator to create a state broadband plan and submit it to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2018 regular session convening.

State broadband plan must include infrastructure gap analysis, opportunities for private sector broadband deployment, and government coordination strategies, plus consideration of digital literacy initiatives, public input processes, wireless/fiber solutions, and capital improvement projects.

Directs the broadband coordinator to develop proposed legislation establishing a broadband review panel to serve as a broadband regulatory authority.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for the broadband coordinator position and plan development.