Signed by Governor Tina Kotek

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate amendments and final pass a bill that appropriates resources for greater broadband internet access in the state.

Highlights:

• Requires Oregon Business Development Department to provide financial assistance to support broadband access, affordability and adoption (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the department to establish one or more programs to provide financial assistance (Sec. 1). 

• Requires that the department, when evaluating proposed projects under the broadband access program to support broadband service infrastructure, give preference to proposed projects that serve unserved areas or underserved areas (Sec. 1).

• Requires department to establish by rule, for each program established, certain criteria, requirements and processes in order to establish best practices (Sec. 1). 

• Expands permitted uses of moneys in Broadband Fund and makes it permanent (Sec. 1). 

• Rescinds requirements for Oregon Business Development Department to establish by rule certain criteria, requirements and processes for temporary programs for providing grants or loans to support projects for planning and development of broadband service infrastructure and digital literacy, inclusion and adoption (Sec. 1). 

• Rescinds requirements for the department to give certain preference in making grant or loan award decisions (Sec. 1). 

• Requires Oregon Broadband Advisory Council to include in biennial report evaluation of continuing need for temporary program for providing grants or loans to support projects for planning and development of broadband service infrastructure and digital literacy, inclusion and adoption (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text