Senate Bill No. 80, introduced by Senator Mizell, aims to amend and reenact several provisions related to the regulation of broadband services in Louisiana, specifically under the GUMBO program. The bill increases the administration fee that the office may use from one percent to two and one-half percent of the appropriated funds. Additionally, it allows for the same increase in the percentage of funds that can be allocated for hiring third-party contractors for the program's administration. The bill also modifies the disbursement structure for grantees, granting the office the authority to determine completion thresholds for funding disbursements, which must be defined in the GUMBO 2.0 subgrant agreement.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the GUMBO 3.0 and GUMBO 4.0 programs, which will provide grants to various eligible parties, including state agencies and nonprofits, to address challenges in sectors such as economic development and healthcare. These grants will be subject to the Louisiana Procurement Code and may utilize alternative procurement methods as deemed necessary by the commissioner of administration. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB80 Original: 51:32(B)
SB80 Engrossed: 51:32(B)
SB80 Reengrossed: 51:32(B)