Substitute Senate Bill No. 1295, also known as Public Act No. 25-113, establishes a framework for affordable broadband Internet access in Connecticut, effective July 1, 2025. The bill defines terms such as "affordable broadband Internet access service," "eligible household," and "qualified broadband Internet access service provider," and mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop the "Net Equality Program" by September 30, 2026. Starting October 1, 2026, qualified broadband providers must offer affordable broadband services to eligible households at a capped monthly cost of $40, with minimum speed requirements that will increase over time. The bill also requires providers to raise public awareness about these services and report annually on enrollment, while allowing for adjustments to speed requirements and preferences for qualified providers in state contracts.

In addition to broadband provisions, the bill introduces amendments to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation's licensing and operational procedures, including the establishment of vendor licenses with a nonrefundable application fee of $250. It clarifies that existing contracts will not be affected by new provisions and allows the Lottery Corporation to use delivery services from non-licensed organizations under strict security measures. The bill also revises licensing processes for gaming operators, including criminal history checks and the ability to issue separate endorsements for Internet gaming. Furthermore, it enhances consumer data protection laws, particularly regarding sensitive health data and minors' personal data, while introducing new requirements for data processing and privacy notices. Overall, the bill aims to improve broadband access, enhance lottery operations, and strengthen consumer data protections in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 42-529
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 42-529, 42-529a, 42-529b, 42-529c
File No. 576: 42-529, 42-529a, 42-529b, 42-529c
Public Act No. 25-113: 12-815a, 42-515, 42-516, 42-518, 42-520, 42-521, 42-522, 42-529, 42-529a, 42-529b, 42-158ff