SF2889

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this Minnesota legislative bill is to enhance broadband development and digital equity across the state. It seeks to expand existing broadband goals, rename the existing Office of Broadband Development, establish a multifamily dwelling grant program, and adjust certain definitions related to broadband. The overarching aim is to improve broadband access, adoption, and digital inclusion, focusing particularly on underserved areas and populations.

Main Provisions

• Renaming: The Office of Broadband Development is renamed to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, emphasizing an added focus on digital equity.
• Expanded Goals: Sets new state goals for broadband adoption, aiming for 95% of Minnesota households to have home broadband and computer access by 2028.
• Multifamily Grant Program: Establishes a grant program to enhance broadband access in multifamily housing units, particularly those with a significant number of unserved households.
• Broadband Infrastructure: Modifications suggest increasing the role of broadband infrastructure in supporting Minnesota’s economic development, education, and public safety.
• Coordination and Planning: The office will serve as the central planning body for state broadband and digital equity initiatives, coordinating with various entities to create a uniform statewide broadband policy.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Office Duties: The office's responsibilities are updated to include comprehensive planning and coordination for broadband and digital equity, previous simply focused on broadband alone.
• Grants Evaluation: New criteria for evaluating grant applications prioritize unserved and underserved areas and emphasize digital skills training and adoption promotion.
• Reporting Requirements: Annual reporting requirements are updated to include evaluations of digital inclusion programs and detailed analyses of broadband access and impact.

Relevant Terms

• Broadband access
• Digital equity
• Broadband infrastructure
• Multifamily dwelling grants
• Unserved and underserved areas
• Wireless facilities
• Internet subscription and service discounts