SB 17-306

Senate Bill 17-306, which has been signed into law, changes how money from a fund called the High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) is used for broadband deployment grants. Instead of grant recipients having to apply for and receive HCSM funds separately, the bill allows these funds to be transferred directly to approved applicants by the Broadband Deployment Board. The Public Utilities Commission will manage how much money from this fund can go towards broadband projects and related costs, ensuring that a specific amount is set aside in a separate account. This affects organizations applying for grants to improve internet infrastructure in Colorado. Since it has been signed, the bill is now law and its provisions are being implemented.

Official Summary

The bill updates language regarding the use of money from the high cost support mechanism (HCSM) for broadband deployment grant applications approved by the broadband deployment board to have money transferred directly from the HCSM to approved broadband deployment grant applicants. The public utilities commission is directed to determine the amount of HCSM money available for broadband deployment and related administrative costs, and the bill requires that amount to be held in a separate account. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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