NC H68

Authorizes cities to lease components of wired or wireless networks for up to 25 years on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, without treating such leases as sales of property.

Allows counties to construct and operate wired or wireless network facilities for internal governmental purposes.

Permits cities and counties to include digital infrastructure (wired or wireless network components) in public-private partnership development contracts without unilaterally providing broadband service.

Requires the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation to report annually on technology and innovation impact in BRIGHT Markets (broadband, retail online services, Internet of things, power grid, health care, and training/education), with recommendations for establishing a BRIGHT Futures Innovation Fund.

Directs multiple state agencies and educational institutions to evaluate and recommend ways to align resources and programs for rural communities to access opportunities in BRIGHT Market segments, with reports due by July 1, 2017.