LRB-1169/P4
KP:amn
2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
DOA:......Sherwin, BB0210 - Broadband line extension program
For 2023-2025 Budget -- Not Ready For Introduction
An Act ...; relating to: the budget.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
state government
Public utility regulation
Broadband line extension grants
The bill requires PSC to make grants to residents of properties that are not served by a broadband service provider to assist in paying the customer costs associated with line extension necessary to connect broadband service to the properties. The maximum size of a broadband line extension grant is $4,000. The bill also requires PSC to give priority to primary residences and to establish other criteria for awarding the grants.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
Section
1. 20.155 (3) (b) of the statutes is created to read:
20.155 (3) (b) Broadband line extension grants. The amounts in the schedule for financial assistance grants for broadband line extension under s. 196.504 (2r).
****Note: This Section involves a change in an appropriation that must be reflected in the revised schedule in s. 20.005, stats.
Section
2. 20.155 (3) (r) of the statutes is amended to read:
20.155
(3) (r)
Broadband expansion grants; transfers. From the universal service fund, all moneys transferred under s. 196.218 (3) (a) 2s. a.,
2015 Wisconsin Act 55, section
9236 (1v),
2017 Wisconsin Act 59, section
9237 (1) and (2) (a), and
2019 Wisconsin Act 9, section
9201 (1), for broadband expansion grants under s. 196.504
(2).
Section
3. 20.155 (3) (rm) of the statutes is amended to read:
20.155 (3) (rm) Broadband grants; other funding. From the universal service fund, as a continuing appropriation, all moneys transferred under s. 196.218 (3) (a) 2s. b., for broadband expansion grants under s. 196.504 (2).
Section
4. 196.504 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
196.504 (2) (b) To prescribe the form, nature, and extent of the information that shall be contained in an application for a grant under this section subsection. The application shall require the applicant to identify the area of the state that will be affected by the proposed project and explain how the proposed project will increase broadband access.
Section
5. 196.504 (2r) of the statutes is created to read:
196.504 (2r) The commission shall administer the line extension assistance program and shall have the following powers:
(a) To make financial assistance grants to residents of properties that are not served by a broadband service provider to assist in paying the customer costs associated with line extension necessary to connect broadband service to the properties. The amount of a financial assistance grant under this subsection may not exceed $4,000. Grants awarded under this subsection shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.155 (3) (b).
(b) To establish criteria for evaluating applications and awarding financial assistance grants under this subsection. The criteria shall give priority to properties that serve as a primary residence.
(End)
