Bill > AB693

This bill establishes a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity in California, designed to centralize and improve the state's broadband infrastructure and digital equity efforts. The bill creates a Broadband and Digital Equity Commission with 11 voting members appointed by various state authorities, including representatives from different sectors like internet service providers, consumer advocacy, digital equity nonprofits, labor unions, and Native American tribes. Starting July 1, 2027, this new department will replace the current oversight structure involving the Public Utilities Commission and Department of Technology. The department will be responsible for managing the California Advanced Services Fund, developing broadband infrastructure grants, maintaining a statewide broadband accessibility map, and establishing a process for residents to file complaints about digital access discrimination. The commission will advise the department and help formulate state policies related to broadband, with an annual reporting requirement to the Legislature that includes information on unserved and underserved households and progress toward increasing connectivity. The bill aims to address current coordination challenges between agencies and create a more focused, dedicated approach to expanding broadband access across California, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB693