Bill > HF4182

This bill establishes the Equal Access to Broadband Act and modifies provisions governing broadband services and broadband infrastructure in Minnesota. Specifically, it: - Defines "broadband" or "broadband service" as a high-speed internet access service that meets the Federal Communications Commission's definition. - Allows political subdivisions (e.g., counties, cities, towns) to require providers furnishing broadband within their jurisdiction to obtain a franchise or other municipal authorization, and to charge fees to raise revenue, defray increased municipal costs, or both. - Clarifies that broadband providers must coordinate with local government units when placing broadband infrastructure in public rights-of-way, subject to the local government unit's franchising or other municipal authorization requirements. - Includes broadband as a service that can use public roads, subject to municipal franchising requirements and compensation. - Modifies definitions and provisions related to telecommunications right-of-way users, including clarifying that cable service and broadband service providers are not considered telecommunications right-of-way users for certain purposes.