The bill amends the Severance Tax Bonding Act and the Broadband Access and Expansion Act to create a new Education Technology Infrastructure Fund, which will receive up to $10 million per fiscal year from supplemental severance tax bonds designated for education technology projects. The director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is given the authority to certify the need for these bonds, while the state board of finance is responsible for their issuance and sale. Additionally, the bill transfers the broadband deployment and connectivity program from the Public School Facilities Authority to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, thereby enhancing the state's ability to improve educational technology infrastructure.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to public school capital outlay funding laws, establishing a formula for state funding that guarantees a minimum share of six percent for approved projects. It allows for increased funding based on exemplary maintenance practices and sets criteria for adjusting local funding requirements. The broadband office is tasked with developing standards for education technology infrastructure and creating a statewide education technology network. The bill also outlines grant application criteria and prioritization based on various factors, while allowing for emergency funding in critical situations. All provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 7-27-12, 22-24-4, 22-24-5, 63-9J-1, 63-9J-2, 22-24-4.5
Final Version: 7-27-12, 22-24-4, 22-24-5, 63-9J-1, 63-9J-2, 22-24-4.5