HB 18-1116

HB 18-1116, which has been signed into law, allows a Colorado board focused on broadband deployment to apply for federal funds to improve internet access. The bill also lets the board ask the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to use money from a specific FCC fund designed to expand broadband coverage in underserved areas. This means that the board can now seek and receive federal support to bring better internet services to communities across Colorado.

Official Summary

Joint Budget Committee. The bill authorizes the broadband deployment board to apply for federal funding of broadband deployment and allocate any federal money received to broadband deployment projects approved by the board. The bill also directs the board to petition the federal communications commission (FCC) for a waiver from the FCC's rules prohibiting a state entity from applying for federal money earmarked for broadband deployment through the FCC's connect America fund phase II auction to allow the board to apply for the federal auction money.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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