Bill > S558

This bill establishes the North Carolina Broadband Assistance Program to provide funds to eligible low-income families to help make broadband access more affordable. The program offers free broadband service for families with annual household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, and a monthly credit of at least $15 for families with income above 100% but no greater than 135% of the federal poverty level who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as participation in programs like SNAP or Medicaid. The Department of Commerce will administer the program and report quarterly on its progress. The bill appropriates $250 million in non-recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to implement the program.