Bill > HB2016

This bill establishes an additive capital budget for broadband infrastructure funding, specifically allocating $1,507,742,000 for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The bill provides $280,000,000 in state matching funds for federal broadband grants, with the requirement that lead applicants be public or tribal government entities. The funding prioritizes projects based on criteria such as affordability, fair labor practices, deployment speed, open access, local coordination, and digital navigation services. The bill creates additional selection criteria for broadband projects, including requiring open-access wholesale last-mile service and demonstrating local government support. It also establishes a federal broadband account in the state treasury to receive and manage these funds, with a specific $300,000 allocation for a staff position focused on emerging broadband technologies. The legislation modifies existing law to clarify how broadband funding can be received, managed, and distributed, and includes provisions for immediate implementation with certain sections taking effect immediately or on July 1, 2025. The bill aims to improve broadband access and infrastructure across the state by leveraging federal infrastructure investment funds.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2016&Year=2025&Initiative=false