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IN SB0461
Bill
Status
1/14/2019
Primary Sponsor
Mark Messmer
Click for details
AI Summary
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Establishes a $5,000,000 maximum grant cap per qualified broadband project for any state agency awarding broadband infrastructure grants to unserved areas
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Creates the rural broadband fund to be administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, funded through legislative appropriations, federal grants, donations, and toll road revenues
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Requires all state agencies awarding broadband grants to follow procedures and guidelines established by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs
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Expands eligibility for qualified broadband service providers to include any company that provides qualified broadband service in the ordinary course of business, or electric cooperatives organized under IC 8-1-13 or IC 23-17
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Mandates grant applicants demonstrate at least 3 years of service to 100+ Indiana residences and businesses, along with financial, technical, and operational capability to build and operate broadband networks
Legislative Description
Broadband development funding. Provides that a state agency that awards a grant to a broadband service provider for purposes of extending broadband service to unserved areas must follow procedures established and guidelines adopted by the office of community and rural affairs for the award of such grants. Provides that a state agency may not award a grant of more than $5,000,000 for any one qualified broadband project. Establishes the rural broadband fund (fund) for the purpose of awarding grants for funding of deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved areas. Provides that the office of community and rural affairs may make grants from the fund for the purpose of awarding grants for funding of deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved areas. Makes technical corrections.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities
1/14/2019