Bill > SF2889

This bill renames the Office of Broadband Development to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, expanding its responsibilities to include promoting digital inclusion and equity. The bill establishes new goals for broadband adoption, including aiming to have 95% of Minnesota households with a home broadband subscription by 2028, 70% of eligible households receiving internet service discounts, and 95% of households having access to a personal computer. A new multifamily broadband development grant program is created to provide funding for installing internet infrastructure, offering reduced-cost services, and providing technical assistance in multifamily housing and manufactured home parks. The office's duties are expanded to include developing a statewide digital equity plan that focuses on improving digital opportunities for historically underserved populations, such as low-income households, people with limited English proficiency, residents of multifamily dwellings, and racial or ethnic minority groups. The bill also modifies reporting requirements, requiring the office to provide annual reports that include information about digital inclusion programs, broadband adoption, and computer distribution efforts. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to broadband infrastructure and modifies how grant applications for broadband infrastructure are evaluated, with priority given to projects in unserved and underserved areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2889&ssn=0&y=2025