HI SB1201

Establishes a broadband task force within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism with membership including county mayors, wireless providers, telecommunications companies, utility directors, and other stakeholders.

Task force chair is the DBEDT director; vice chair selected by majority vote of members; simple majority constitutes quorum for decisions.

Task force shall develop a statewide broadband plan addressing financial status of access providers, fee structures, potential wireless fees for video streaming, and regulatory framework for broadband services under DBEDT.

Statewide plan must include recommendations on high-speed broadband infrastructure deployment, address technological advancements, and ensure any proposed fees are fair and reasonable to consumers.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 regular session and shall cease to exist upon adjournment of that session.