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Minutes for HB2618 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Establishing a state broadband grant program under the department of commerce to encourage the deployment of broadband in the state.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 20, 2020
Chairperson Seiwert opened the hearing on HB2618.
Matt Sterling, Revisor staff member, gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 2)
Representative Neighbor moved and Representative Gartner seconded a motion to move HB2618 favorably for passage. Discussion ensued regarding sources of funding for the bill, issues of transparency in the application process, the distribution of resources and equity between rural and urban needs. When asked by the Chair, Stanley Adams, Department of Commerce, responded to the concerns expressed by the committee and commented that the bill looked workable.
Chairperson Seiwert introduced a two-part amendment which was distributed and explained by Nick Myers. The first-part, on Page 2, replacing the term "may" with "shall" relative to the challenge process. The second-part, on Page 4, adding new subsection (i) requiring the DOC Office of Broadband development to publish on its website and provide to the legislature a report regarding applications and challenges.
Discussion ensued regarding what the Department of Commerce would be required to publish regarding the applications, challenge process and awards, and regarding the action required by the terms "may" and "shall."
Representative Frownfelter moved and Representative Neighbor seconded a motion to split the amendment into two amendments and vote on them separately. Motion carried.
Representative Cox moved and Representative Hoheisel seconded adoption of the first amendment on page 2, line 34, to strike the word "may" and replace it with the word "shall." The motion failed.
Representative Neighbor moved and Representative Gartner seconded a motion to accept the proposed addition on page 4, line 4 of text "(i) On or before June 30 of each year, the Department of Commerce shall publish on its website and provide to the Legislature a report with information pertaining to applications, challenges and any other pertinent project or application activity." Motion passed.
Representative Neighbor moved and Representative Gartner seconded a motion to pass favorably out of committee HB2618 as amended. Motion passed unanimously. Rep Carmichael requested his affirmative vote to pass the bill as amended be recorded.
Chairperson Seiwert closed the hearing HB2618.
