Bill > HB1457

This bill aims to facilitate the coordinated installation of broadband infrastructure along state highways in Washington. The key provisions include: 1. Establishing the Governor's Statewide Broadband Office to coordinate broadband deployment and expansion, including collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to identify opportunities for installing broadband during state highway projects. 2. Requiring the DOT to proactively provide information about planned highway projects to broadband facility owners, enabling coordination to install broadband infrastructure concurrently. 3. Authorizing the DOT to install broadband conduit as part of road construction projects if no broadband owners are able to participate, in order to benefit the transportation system and prepare for autonomous vehicles. 4. Directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study and recommend an effective DOT strategy, including identifying unserved or underserved areas, planning and financing tools, and potential partnerships between the DOT and broadband providers. 5. Amending laws to facilitate the deployment of broadband, including by allowing the DOT to grant franchises for fiber optic and other broadband infrastructure within state highway rights-of-way.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1457&Year=2021&Initiative=false