Bill > HF2279

This bill renames the Office of Broadband Development to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, expanding its role to not only focus on broadband infrastructure but also address digital equity and inclusion. The bill establishes new goals for broadband adoption, including targets that by 2028, 95% of Minnesota households have a home broadband subscription, 70% of eligible households receive Internet service discounts, and 95% of households have access to a personal computer. A new multifamily broadband development grant program is created to help provide broadband services and digital equity in multifamily housing and manufactured home parks, with eligible expenses including infrastructure installation, reduced-cost services, technical assistance, and digital navigation support. The bill modifies the office's duties to include developing a statewide digital equity plan that focuses on historically underserved populations, such as households with limited incomes, people with limited English proficiency, residents of multifamily dwellings, and members of racial or ethnic minority groups. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements to include more detailed information about broadband adoption, digital inclusion efforts, and grant application evaluations, while maintaining the office's core mission of improving broadband access and supporting economic development across Minnesota.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2279&ssn=0&y=2025