The proposed Equal Access to Broadband Act seeks to improve broadband services and infrastructure in Minnesota by redefining key terms related to broadband and establishing clearer guidelines for local government interactions with broadband service providers. The bill specifies that "broadband" must meet the Federal Communications Commission's minimum speed requirements and clarifies definitions for "broadband infrastructure," "last-mile infrastructure," and "middle-mile infrastructure." It grants local governments the authority to require franchises or municipal authorizations for broadband operations and allows them to impose fees for right-of-way management, thereby enhancing local control over broadband deployment.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to prevent local governments from discriminating among telecommunications right-of-way users and removes the requirement for these users to obtain a franchise or pay for right-of-way use. It clarifies that users with facilities in place as of May 10, 1997, do not need to apply for permits, provided they have local consent. The legislation also emphasizes compliance with privacy laws for data exchanged between local governments and telecommunications users, while ensuring that local governments cannot impose additional regulations beyond what is authorized. Overall, the bill aims to create a more structured and equitable framework for broadband access, particularly in underserved areas of Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116J.39, 116J.394, 116J.399, 237.162, 237.163, 412.221