Bill > H0299

This bill amends the existing law regarding the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board by expanding its composition and modifying its grant award process. Specifically, the bill adds two non-voting members with broadband industry experience - one appointed by the House Speaker and another by the Senate President Pro Tempore, joining the existing board which already includes three state representatives, three state senators, and three public members appointed by the Governor. The most significant change is a new provision allowing the board to use an independent third party to conduct grant award grading and scoring, with that third party providing recommendations to the advisory board. The board's core responsibilities remain unchanged, including creating a statewide broadband plan to determine how to prioritize and distribute grants from the Idaho Broadband Fund to areas most in need. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to potentially improve the objectivity and expertise of the grant award process by introducing an independent assessment mechanism.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

Ways and Means Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0299/