The bill amends Section 63-9H-6 of the New Mexico Statutes to increase the allocation from the State Rural Universal Service Fund for the broadband program from $30 million to $40 million, while also raising the cap on the fund's obligations, including administrative expenses and a prudent fund balance, to the same amount of $40 million. This change aims to enhance the support for universal telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring that eligible telecommunications carriers can access necessary funding for broadband infrastructure and services.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission will adopt rules to implement a broadband program that will provide funding for the construction and maintenance of broadband infrastructure. It requires that applications for funding be considered on a technology-neutral basis and that the commission report annually to the legislature on the fund's status, including data on broadband program implementation and recommendations for potential changes. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 63-9H-6
Final Version: 63-9H-6