The bill, HB 700, aims to enhance broadband infrastructure in unserved municipalities through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) programs, specifically GUMBO 1.0 and 2.0. It establishes a grant program managed by the office of broadband development and connectivity to prevent damage to existing utilities during broadband projects. The bill ensures that data collected from internet and telecommunications providers remains confidential and exempt from public records laws. It also protects GUMBO 2.0 applicants from liability related to data collection while maintaining their responsibilities regarding underground utilities. Additionally, broadband providers receiving GUMBO funding are required to report any utility damages during construction and coordinate with local governments, which can impose a one-time fee for GUMBO-funded projects.

Moreover, the bill introduces new regulations for fund disbursement under the GUMBO 2.0 grant program, requiring verification of 100% deployment to eligible locations within 48 months. It allows for fund disbursement based on specific performance metrics and mandates that subgrantees with obligations from other federal programs must fulfill these 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 are set to ensure effective use in addressing broadband deployment challenges in Louisiana.

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