HB 3201

Abstract

Requires Oregon Business Development Department to provide financial assistance to support broadband access, affordability and adoption. Permits department to establish one or more programs to provide financial assistance. Requires that department, when evaluating proposed projects under program to support broadband service infrastructure, give preference to proposed projects that serve unserved areas or underserved areas.] Requires department to establish by rule, for each program established, certain criteria, requirements and processes. Specifies certain definition, eligibility criteria and process for challenging applications that shall apply to programs Oregon Business Development Department establishes that support broadband service infrastructure using moneys from federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. Specifies certain definitions and eligibility criteria that shall apply to programs Oregon Business Development Department establishes that support broadband service infrastructure using moneys from federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. Makes Broadband Fund permanent. Expands permitted uses of moneys in Broadband Fund. Removes requirements for Oregon Business Development Department to establish by rule certain criteria, requirements and processes for temporary program for providing grants or loans to support projects for planning and development of broadband service infrastructure and digital literacy, inclusion and adoption. Removes requirements for department to give certain preference in making grant or loan award decisions. Requires Oregon Broadband Advisory Council to include in biennial report evaluation of continuing need for temporary program for providing grants or loans to support projects for planning and development of broadband service infrastructure and digital literacy, inclusion and adoption. Declares emergency, effective on passage.