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BROADBAND Leadership Act
2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3295
One of the key provisions of the BROADBAND Leadership Act is the establishment of a grant program to support the expansion of broadband networks in areas where access is limited or non-existent. This program would provide funding to internet service providers and local governments to help cover the costs of building out infrastructure and increasing connectivity in underserved regions.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to encourage public-private partnerships in the deployment of broadband services, as well as initiatives to promote competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry. It also calls for the development of a national broadband strategy to guide future investments and policies related to internet access. Overall, the BROADBAND Leadership Act aims to address the digital divide in the United States by expanding access to high-speed internet services and promoting the adoption of broadband technology in all communities. By investing in infrastructure, education, and innovation, the bill seeks to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy and society.
Congressional Summary of HR 3295
Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory Leadership Act or the BROADBAND Leadership Act
This bill limits the authority of a state or locality to regulate the placement, construction, or modification of telecommunications service facilities.
States and localities may not discriminate in such regulations among providers of functionally equivalent services, including based on the technology used to provide services. In addition, they may not regulate in a manner that effectively prohibits the provision or improvement of interstate or intrastate telecommunications services.
However, states and localities may charge reasonable, cost-based fees for (1) reviewing requests to place, construct, or modify telecommunications service facilities; or (2) using property owned or managed by the state or locality for placing, constructing, or modifying those facilities.
Additionally, states or localities must respond to requests for placing, constructing, or modifying facilities and for other actions related to those facilities by specified deadlines. If a decision is not made by the deadline, the request is deemed to be approved. Further, denials of requests must be (1) written, (2) supported by substantial evidence, and (3) publicly released on the same day the decision is made.
An adversely affected person may petition the courts to review the actions of a state or locality, and the courts must review in an expedited manner.
