The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6778, aims to enhance the development and maintenance of an up-to-date broadband map in Connecticut. The bill mandates that the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) shall, rather than may, rely on credible data from various sources, including broadband service providers and consumers, to create this map. The bill also specifies that broadband Internet access service providers must submit detailed information about their services, including maximum advertised bandwidth and the number of connections, in a prescribed format. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, stating that the information provided by service providers will be considered a trade secret and exempt from public disclosure, except under certain conditions.

Key changes in the bill include the replacement of the word "may" with "shall" to impose a stronger obligation on the OPM to utilize credible data, and the introduction of a requirement for the OPM to publish the broadband map annually. The bill also modifies the language regarding the submission of information by service providers, ensuring it aligns with federal standards. Furthermore, it expands the confidentiality provisions to include any governmental entity or outside consultant involved in the data-sharing agreements, thereby reinforcing the protection of sensitive information related to broadband services. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-330b