H.F. No. 12 Summary

• Establishes a distance learning broadband access grant program in the Department of Education to provide wireless or wire-line broadband equipment and access to students lacking internet for distance learning during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years, with $15,000,000 appropriated from coronavirus relief federal funds.

• Creates a telemedicine equipment reimbursement grant program administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development to reimburse eligible health care providers (including community health clinics, critical access hospitals, and nursing facilities) for purchasing telemedicine equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, with $2,000,000 appropriated.

• Establishes a supplemental broadband development program to fund middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas to support distance learning, telemedicine, business operations, and telecommuting during COVID-19, with $10,000,000 appropriated and a $500,000 maximum grant per project (75 percent cost cap).

• Requires the Commissioner of Education to report by April 15, 2021, on districts and schools receiving distance learning grants, per-pupil amounts, and students served; requires the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to report on telemedicine and broadband grant applications and awards.

• All appropriations are one-time from the coronavirus relief federal fund with unexpended balances canceled on March 15, 2021, and are contingent on approval by the Commissioner of Management and Budget.