The bill, HB 700, focuses on enhancing the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) programs, specifically GUMBO 1.0 and 2.0. It establishes a grant program through the office of broadband development and connectivity aimed at preventing damage to existing utilities during broadband infrastructure projects. The bill ensures that data collected from internet service providers or telecommunications providers remains confidential and exempt from public records laws. It also protects GUMBO 2.0 applicants or grantees from liability related to data collection activities while maintaining their obligations regarding underground utilities. Additionally, the bill introduces reporting requirements for broadband providers receiving GUMBO funding, necessitating them to report any known damage to underground utilities during construction and coordinate with local governments.

Moreover, the bill modifies the funding disbursement structure for GUMBO 2.0, shifting from a reimbursement model to a fixed-amount subaward basis, with specific thresholds for fund disbursement based on project completion. It mandates that final disbursements occur only after verifying 100% deployment to eligible locations within a maximum timeline of 48 months. The bill also introduces penalties for breaches of commitment, requiring reimbursement to the state for defaulted locations, and establishes a new grant program, GUMBO 3.0, to address challenges in various sectors. The office is empowered to develop rules and criteria for these programs, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and setting specific deadlines for fund obligation and expenditure.

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