The bill, HB 700, aims to enhance the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) programs, specifically GUMBO 1.0 and 2.0, by introducing new provisions for the office of broadband development and connectivity. It establishes a grant program designed to prevent damage to existing utilities during broadband infrastructure projects and ensures that data collected from internet and telecommunications providers remains confidential and exempt from public records laws. Additionally, GUMBO 2.0 applicants or grantees will not be liable for damages related to data collection, while still adhering to existing underground utility laws. The bill also mandates reporting requirements for broadband providers receiving GUMBO funding, including damage reports during construction and coordination with local governments.

Moreover, HB 700 outlines new regulations for fund disbursement related to GUMBO 2.0, emphasizing the need for 100% deployment to eligible locations within 48 months. It introduces provisions for fund disbursement based on specific performance metrics and requires GUMBO 2.0 subgrantees to fulfill obligations from other federal programs to avoid penalties. The bill also establishes new grant programs, GUMBO 3.0 and GUMBO 4.0, to utilize remaining funds and focus on the State's First Digital Opportunity Plan, respectively. Specific deadlines for the obligation and expenditure of funds for all GUMBO programs are set to ensure effective utilization in line with federal guidelines.

Statutes affected:
HB700 Original:
HB700 Engrossed:
HB700 Reengrossed:
HB700 Enrolled: 51:1(E)
HB700 Act 632: 51:1(E)