Bill > H819

This bill makes various changes related to the Department of Information Technology, broadband funding, and telecommunications. The bill first modifies existing statutes to add the State Highway Patrol to the list of entities exempt from certain information technology oversight, while also making technical changes to exemptions for other state agencies like the University of North Carolina and the Office of the State Auditor. In the Broadband Pole Replacement Program, the bill expands reimbursement eligibility to include underground infrastructure installations and broadens the definition of qualified projects to include restoring service after natural disasters. The bill provides flexibility for the Department of Information Technology to transfer funding between broadband programs and creates new provisions for emergency funding to communications service providers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, the bill updates definitions and selection processes for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, and allows the Utilities Commission to designate mobile radio communications service providers as eligible telecommunications carriers for Lifeline service. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H819