Chairperson Petersen opened the Hearing on HB2647. Adam Siebers, Staff Revisor gave an explanation of the bill. (Attachment 9) There were no questions.

Cory Davis gave proponent testimony for HB2647. (Attachment 10) He stated that the bill establishes opportunity for KDOT to partner with internet service providers to efficiently and effectively provide broadband internet services throughout the state while also planning for the future of the transportation network. The main intent of this bill is to establish the ability for KDOT to partner with internet service providers, allowing those entities to use already installed KDOT infrastructure to more efficiently install their fiber. 

Chris Crook testified in support of HB2647 which would authorize KDOT to establish a statewide conduit system for fiber optic infrastructure.(Attachment 11) Creating access to a statewide conduit system and establishing a framework for working with KDOT along transportation corridors may help expand fiber infrastructure, reduce future deployment costs, and lower barriers to entry for providers building connectivity across Kansas.

The took questions from committee members.

Proponent, written only testimony was submitted by:

Emma Shankland, Impact Strategist Policy, Health Forward Foundation (Attachment 12)

Daniel Friesen, Chief Innovation Officer, IdeaTek Telcom (Attachment 13)

Neutral, written only testimony was submitted by:

Megan Bottenberg, Director, Government Affairs, Cox Communications (Attachment 14)

Erik Sartorius, Communications Coalition of Kansas (Attachment 15)

There were no opponents.

Chairperson Petersen closed the Hearing on HB2647.