SB449
To Create The Arkansas Broadband Advisory Council; And To Declare An Emergency.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
This bill creates the Arkansas Broadband Advisory Council to advise the Department of Commerce on the development and oversight of state broadband policy. The council will consist of sixteen members, including representatives from various sectors like education, healthcare, local government, and agriculture, as well as state officials and private citizens. Members are explicitly barred from being associated with or having financial interests in internet service providers. The council is tasked with assessing broadband needs, digital literacy, and deployment strategies, as well as reviewing grant decisions to ensure transparency and geographic diversity. It must provide annual reports of its activities and findings to the Governor and the General Assembly. Additionally, the council is required to conduct a specific study on mobile wireless technology. The council is set to expire on December 31, 2028. An emergency clause is included to expedite the council's formation to address urgent federal funding deadlines and broadband infrastructure requirements.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include the residents and businesses of Arkansas who currently lack reliable or affordable high-speed internet access, as the council's mission is to expand connectivity and digital literacy across the state. State government agencies and economic sectors—including healthcare, education, agriculture, and public safety—also benefit from the strategic planning and coordination of broadband expansion efforts. Additionally, the state government benefits by having a structured body to manage and ensure the efficient deployment of federal broadband infrastructure funding.
Who Might Suffer?
Internet service providers are most directly impacted by this legislation, as their employees and anyone with a financial interest in such entities are prohibited from serving on the council. This exclusion ensures that industry insiders do not directly influence the council's advisory roles, including the review of grant decisions. While the bill does not impose direct penalties on these companies, the oversight and regulatory influence of the council could change the competitive landscape for broadband deployment and state grant applications.
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