ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session

---

HB 2678: state broadband office

Sponsor: Representative Cobb, LD 5

Committee on Commerce

Overview

Establishes the State Broadband Office (Office).

History

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) promotes workforce development by providing private sector leadership in growing and diversifying Arizona's economy and creating high quality employment through the expansion, attraction and retention of businesses (A.R.S. § 41-1502).

Provisions

1. Establishes the Office within the ACA. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies the Office consists of the State Broadband Director, who serves at the pleasure of the ACA's chief executive officer. (Sec. 1)

3. Permits the chief executive office to employ Office staff to:

a) Coordinate the implementation of local, state and federal broadband programs;

b) Coordinate and execute federal broadband grant applications;

c) Provide guidance in navigating regulatory and permitting processes for broadband infrastructure projects;

d) Provide guidance on broadband policies and practices;

e) Solicit feedback from stakeholders to develop long-term broadband policy priorities; and

f) Work with partners, agencies and telecommunication providers to develop plans to improve internet connectivity and resiliency. (Sec. 1)

4. Requires the Office to publish and maintain a state broadband plan that elaborates Arizona's broadband goals. (Sec. 1)

5. Permits the Office to develop rules and guidelines to implement its duties. (Sec. 1)

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

                        HB 2678

Initials PRB     Page 0 Commerce

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------