The Equal Access to Broadband Act seeks to improve broadband services and infrastructure in Minnesota by amending various sections of the Minnesota Statutes. The bill redefines "broadband" to align with the Federal Communications Commission's standards and introduces new definitions for terms such as "local franchising authority" and "last-mile infrastructure." It clarifies the responsibilities of local governments in managing broadband infrastructure, allowing local franchising authorities to require broadband providers to obtain necessary franchises or municipal authorizations. Additionally, the bill mandates that providers notify local units before placing infrastructure in public rights-of-way and allows local governments to impose fees on broadband providers to cover right-of-way management costs.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing statutes concerning public rights-of-way and small wireless facilities, establishing that the cost of initial engineering surveys and preparatory construction for collocation must be borne by the cost causer through a one-time charge. Local governments can charge fees for small wireless facility permits, including annual rent and maintenance fees. The legislation also prohibits local government units from discriminating against users or requiring telecommunications right-of-way users to obtain a franchise or pay for right-of-way use. It ensures that data exchanged between local governments and telecommunications users adheres to existing data privacy laws, aiming to streamline small wireless facility deployment while ensuring fair treatment and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116J.39, 116J.394, 116J.399, 222.37, 237.162, 237.163, 412.221