Bill > SB308

This bill amends the Rural Telecommunications Act of New Mexico to update the state's rural universal service fund provisions and establish a broadband program administered by the Public Regulation Commission to facilitate the expansion of broadband service in rural areas. The key provisions include maintaining the state rural universal service fund, which is financed by a surcharge on intrastate retail public telecommunications services, and using the fund to support universal service (basic local exchange service, comparable retail alternative services, low-income telephone assistance, and broadband internet access) in rural areas. The bill also requires at least 60% of the fund's support to be used for deploying and maintaining broadband in rural areas, and establishes a $30 million annual cap on the fund's total obligations. Additionally, the bill directs the Commission to adopt rules for a broadband program to provide funding to eligible carriers for constructing and maintaining broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=308&year=17