MN HF5152

Renames the Office of Broadband Development to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity and expands its duties to include developing a statewide digital equity plan focused on broadband adoption, computer access, and digital skills training for underserved populations.

Establishes a new multifamily broadband development grant program with $50,000,000 appropriated in fiscal year 2025 to fund broadband infrastructure and digital equity services in multifamily residential properties and manufactured home parks.

Adds new state broadband adoption goals to be achieved by 2028: 95 percent of Minnesota households with home broadband subscriptions, 70 percent of eligible households receiving available Internet service discounts, and 95 percent of households with access to personal computers or comparable devices.

Modifies reporting requirements for the Office to include annual summaries of digital inclusion program activities such as broadband adoption, computer distribution, and digital skills training.

Updates definitions of underserved areas to require wire-line broadband speeds of at least 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload.