RI H7333

Repeals existing statutory language that prohibited state agencies from regulating, monitoring, or overseeing VoIP and IP-enabled broadband services, which the bill identifies as the most sweeping prohibition of any state

Requires the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to develop and submit within one year a detailed plan for creating a broadband oversight authority, including recommendations for mission, staffing, funding mechanisms, and intergovernmental collaboration

Declares broadband infrastructure essential to Rhode Islanders' daily life, supporting healthcare, education, public safety, energy management, business operations, and government services

Preserves the General Assembly's authority to enact future oversight, reporting, planning, and performance-monitoring statutes for broadband services while clarifying the bill does not itself grant new regulatory authority

Mandates the Commerce Corporation hire contractors or add staff to complete the planning requirements and consult with municipalities, providers, public safety agencies, and other stakeholders