NC H819

Exempts the State Highway Patrol from Department of Information Technology oversight, allowing it to autonomously manage its own IT infrastructure as a standalone entity within the Department of Public Safety through June 30, 2027

Expands the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to cover costs of placing facilities underground for natural disaster protection, in addition to pole replacement, with 50% reimbursement for eligible costs

Repeals existing broadband grant programs (G.S. 143B-1373.2 and G.S. 143B-1374) and redirects funds to satellite internet installation grants, prioritizing the 39 counties designated as disaster areas due to Hurricane Helene

Authorizes up to $50 million from the Broadband Make Ready Accelerator appropriation for emergency funding to rebuild, repair, or replace broadband infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene

Allows the Utilities Commission to designate mobile radio communications service providers as eligible telecommunications carriers for Lifeline service upon petition, without conferring broader regulatory jurisdiction