House Bill No. 2293, introduced by Hilbert, amends existing laws related to the Oklahoma Broadband Office, specifically extending the termination dates for the Broadband Governing Board, the Broadband Expansion Council, and the Oklahoma Broadband Office itself from June 30, 2028, to December 31, 2030. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of these entities, including oversight of the Statewide Broadband Plan and grant programs aimed at improving broadband access across the state. The amendments ensure that these bodies will continue to function and fulfill their duties until the new termination date, allowing for a more extended period of governance and planning.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining and updating the Statewide Broadband Plan, which aims to ensure that 95% of the state's population has adequate broadband access by the new deadline of December 31, 2030. The Oklahoma Broadband Office is tasked with conducting studies on broadband access, managing grant applications, and creating a mapping system to track broadband coverage and connectivity. The bill also includes provisions for the governance structure of the Broadband Office and Council, ensuring they operate transparently and effectively in their mission to enhance broadband services in Oklahoma.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-139.202, 17-229, 17-2022, 17-139.203, 74-9207
House Committee Substitute: 17-139.202, 17-229, 17-2022
Floor (House): 17-139.202, 17-229, 17-2022
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 17-139.202, 17-229, 17-2022