HB1479: establishing a broadband study committee.

HB 1479 - AS INTRODUCED

2016 SESSION

16-2574

06/09

HOUSE BILL 1479

AN ACT establishing a broadband study committee.

SPONSORS: Rep. Townsend, Graf. 11; Rep. Ratzki, Merr. 1; Rep. Shepardson, Ches. 10; Rep. Chandler, Carr. 1; Rep. Leishman, Hills. 24; Rep. Karrick, Merr. 25; Rep. Ebel, Merr. 5

COMMITTEE: Science, Technology and Energy

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a broadband study committee.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

16-2574

06/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Sixteen

AN ACT establishing a broadband study committee.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study broadband.

2 Membership and Compensation.

I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:

(a) Three members of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader, and one of whom shall be appointed by the chairperson of the science, technology and energy committee.

(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

3 Duties. Recognizing the importance of Internet access to all citizens and the need to promote access in unserved and underserved areas, the committee shall:

I. Explore the changes needed to establish a governmental structure to facilitate and coordinate broadband technology as recommended in the final report of the New Hampshire broadband mapping and planning program.

II. Explore opportunities for public/private partnerships to facilitate broadband availability in underserved areas.

III. Facilitate the adoption of wireless technologies to expand the reach of broadband access into rural areas.

4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

5 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2016.

6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.