This bill amends the Iowa communications network regulations by removing certain prohibitions on the Iowa telecommunications and technology commission regarding the provision and resale of communications services. Specifically, it eliminates the requirement that services provided by authorized users must meet specific conditions, thereby allowing greater flexibility in how these services are offered. The amendments to section 8D.11, which include the deletion of subsection 2 and modifications to subsection 5, will take effect on July 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Management to initiate a solicitation process for the sale of the Iowa communications network, with the goal of concluding the sale as soon as feasible. The department is authorized to use a sole source approach for necessary vendor services and must ensure that existing contracted services for authorized users continue on commercially reasonable terms for at least ten years post-sale. The bill also requires the department to provide periodic status reports to the legislative services agency and outlines that the proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the state’s general fund. The provisions related to the sale take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8D.11