Section 7.92 of this bill requires the State Treasurer to establish, by regulation, a program that enables a provider of broadband or commercial mobile radio service to participate in a voluntary contribution program for broadband infrastructure that enables a customer to opt in and make voluntary monetary contributions as part of the customer's monthly bill. Existing law defines various activities involving businesses and occupations that constitute deceptive trade practices. (NRS 598.0915-598.0925) If a person engages in a deceptive trade practice, the person may be subject to restraint by injunction and the imposition of civil and criminal penalties. (NRS 598.0979, 598.0985, 598.0999) Section 7.92 makes a willful violation of any regulation adopted by the State Treasurer concerning the voluntary contribution program a deceptive trade practice. Existing law establishes the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology in the Office of the Governor and prescribes its powers and duties and those of its Director. (NRS 223.600-223.650) Section 7.8 of this bill requires the Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology to establish and administer a program of infrastructure grants for the development or improvement of broadband services for persons with low income and persons in rural areas of this State. Section 7.5 of this bill creates the Account for the Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure for the deposit of money collected by the State Treasurer from participating providers in the voluntary contribution program established pursuant to section 7.92. Section 7.5 requires that money deposited in the Account be used to: (1) provide infrastructure grants pursuant to the program established pursuant to section 7.8; and (2) defray the costs of establishing and administering the programs established pursuant to sections 7.8 and 7.92. Section 7.6 of this bill requires the Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology to biennially: (1) prepare a report concerning the availability of broadband service in this State; and (2) submit the report to the Governor and Legislature. Sections 7.7 and 7.93 of this bill require the Office, on or before October 1, 2021, to establish and administer a Broadband Ready Community Certification program for the purpose of encouraging the deployment of broadband infrastructure in underserved communities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 704.005, 704.025, 704.684, 707.490
Reprint 1: 704.005, 704.013, 704.684, 223.610, 223.630
Reprint 2: 223.610, 223.630
As Enrolled: 223.610, 223.630