HF 2907

2nd Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 03/15/2010 01:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to communications; setting state goals for the deployment and speed
of high-speed broadband; requiring reports; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 237.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [237.012] BROADBAND GOALS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Universal access and high-speed goal. new text end

new text begin It is the goal of this state
that, no later than 2015, all state residents and businesses have access to broadband that
provides download speeds of no less than ten megabits per second and upload speeds
of no less than five megabits per second.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin State broadband leadership position. new text end

new text begin It is the goal of this state that by
2015, and continuing thereafter:
new text end

new text begin (1) the proportion of Minnesota residents and businesses having access to broadband
ranks among the five states in the United States and the 15 nations globally that have the
highest proportion of that measure; and
new text end

new text begin (2) Minnesota ranks among the five states in the United States with the highest
broadband speed that is universally accessible to state residents and businesses.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Annual reports. new text end

new text begin By February 10, 2011, and each year thereafter, the
commissioner of commerce shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house of representatives and senate committees with primary jurisdiction
over telecommunications policy measuring the progress made towards achieving the
goals under subdivisions 1 and 2. The report must identify any barriers impeding the
achievement of the goals, suggest strategies to overcome those barriers, and estimate
the cost of implementing those strategies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Advisory group. new text end

new text begin By July 1, 2010, the commissioner of commerce shall
appoint and convene a broadband advisory group consisting of no more than 15 members
representing suppliers and users of broadband goods and services. Members serve without
compensation at the pleasure of the commissioner. The broadband advisory group shall
meet at the call of the chair, and shall seek public input. The broadband advisory group
shall advise the commissioner of commerce and the house of representatives and senate
committees with primary jurisdiction over telecommunications policy regarding strategies
to achieve the goals under subdivision 1. This subdivision expires June 30, 2015.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end