Assembly Bill 1108 aims to enhance broadband access in Wisconsin by establishing a grant program specifically for line extensions to properties that currently lack broadband service. The bill mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide financial assistance grants to residents for covering costs associated with connecting broadband service, with a maximum grant amount set at $4,000. Additionally, the PSC is required to prioritize primary residences and develop criteria for awarding these grants.

The bill also amends existing statutes related to broadband expansion grants, including changes to the language in sections 20.155 and 196.504. Notably, it introduces a new subsection (2r) under 196.504, which outlines the PSC's authority to administer the line extension assistance program and specifies the criteria for evaluating applications. The title of section 196.504 is updated to reflect the inclusion of line extension grants, and various references to "section" are replaced with "subsection" to clarify the legal language.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.155(3)(r), 20.155, 20.155(3)(rm), 196.504(title), 196.504, 196.504(2)(a), 196.504(2)(b), 196.504(2)(c)1.(intro.), 196.504(2)(c)2.(intro.)