The Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to enhance the state's ability to oversee and monitor broadband services by removing existing statutory barriers. The act introduces new findings that emphasize the essential nature of broadband infrastructure for the daily life and well-being of all Rhode Islanders, highlighting its critical role across various sectors, including healthcare, education, public safety, and business operations.

The act repeals previous prohibitions that effectively made broadband oversight illegal, allowing for the establishment of a regulatory framework to ensure accountability and performance monitoring of broadband services. It clarifies that the general assembly retains full authority to enact oversight, reporting, planning, and performance-monitoring statutes related to broadband and internet services.

Additionally, the act mandates the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to develop and submit a detailed plan within one year of the act's passage regarding the creation of a broadband oversight authority or a similar structure. This plan will include recommendations for the authority's mission, responsibilities, organizational structure, funding mechanisms, and a timeline for establishment, while ensuring collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The act is designed to facilitate better management of public broadband funds and improve service reliability and equity as technology evolves. It will take effect upon passage.