HF2279

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance broadband accessibility and promote digital equity in Minnesota. It aims to rename and redefine the responsibilities of the Office of Broadband Development to include digital equity, expand statewide broadband goals, and establish a new grant program for multifamily dwellings.

Main Provisions

• Renaming and Expanding Responsibilities: The Office of Broadband Development is renamed to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, reflecting its new focus on digital inclusion activities.
• Broadband Goals and Planning: The state sets new broadband access goals and the office is tasked with coordinating broadband and digital equity planning to improve access and adoption across Minnesota.
• Grant Program for Multifamily Dwellings: A new grant program is established to support broadband infrastructure and services in multifamily residential properties and manufactured home parks.
• Reporting and Data Collection: The office is required to report annually on broadband activities, collect data on broadband deployment, and create maps showing broadband coverage across the state.
• Prioritization of Underserved Areas: Emphasis is placed on improving broadband access in underserved and unserved areas, promoting broadband adoption, and facilitating telehealth and economic development.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill broadens the definition of the scope and duties of the Office of Broadband Development to include digital equity, promoting inclusive access to technology across all communities, especially for those historically underserved.
• It adds an annual reporting requirement for digital inclusion activities and modifies grant awarding criteria to prioritize underserved areas and multifamily dwellings.
• New state goals are set for broadband adoption, aiming for increased household subscriptions, access to discounts, and access to personal computers by 2028.

Relevant Terms

broadband, digital equity, Office of Broadband Development, multifamily broadband grant program, underserved areas, unserved areas, broadband access, digital inclusion, broadband adoption, telehealth, economic development, personal computer access, Internet service discounts