The Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to enhance the state's ability to oversee and monitor broadband services by amending existing laws and removing statutory barriers. The act introduces new findings that highlight the essential nature of broadband infrastructure for the daily life and well-being of Rhode Islanders, emphasizing the importance of reliable internet access across various sectors, including healthcare, education, public safety, and business operations.

The act repeals previous prohibitions that effectively made broadband oversight illegal, allowing state agencies to regulate, monitor, and design frameworks for overseeing broadband performance and reliability. It also recognizes the need for Rhode Island to demonstrate meaningful broadband oversight capacity to access federal funds.

Furthermore, 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 must include recommendations for the authority's mission, organizational structure, funding mechanisms, and collaboration with state, local, and federal entities involved in broadband deployment or oversight.

The act is designed to ensure that Rhode Island can effectively manage public broadband funds and improve service quality, access, and equity as broadband technologies evolve. It will take effect upon passage.