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Minutes for HB2701 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Establishing the statewide broadband expansion task force.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 22, 2018
Chairman Olson opened discussion on Senate Substitute for HB2701 - Establishing the statewide broadband expansion planning task force.
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the Map and Report balloon amendment. Senator Wilborn seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 1)
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the KMU balloon amendment. Senator Skubal seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 2)
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the Century Link balloon amendment. Senator Wilborn seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 3)
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the Right of Way balloon amendment. Senator Wilborn seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 4)
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the Farm Bureau balloon amendment. Senator Suellentrop seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 5)
Vice Chair Petersen motioned to amend the bill with the Sprint balloon amendment. Senator Wilborn seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Attachment 6)
Chairman Olson suggested that the content of the six amendments passed today be inserted into a Senate Substitute for HB2701.
Vice Chair Petersen so motioned Chairman Olson's suggestion. Senator Wilborn seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Chairman Olson thanked the presenters and summerized the Four Pillar Approach that he believes will allow the best outcomes for broadband expansion:
- An accurate and granular map of served, un-served and under-served areas
- A toolbox of financial incentive options
- A hybrid technology approach
- Regulatory certainty regarding right of way and pole placement issues
Chairman Olson commended the committee and all those who worked diligently to make this very important step in Kansas history happen. He asserted that every Kansan and every Kansas entity is a winner from the final passage of this bill.
Chairman Olson close the discussion on the bill.
