This bill proposes changes to Minnesota’s broadband policy by renaming the Office of Broadband Development to the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, expanding its duties, and setting new broadband access and adoption goals.

Key Provisions:

1. Expanded Mandate & Renaming:

   • The Office of Broadband Development is renamed the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity to emphasize digital inclusion.
   • The office’s responsibilities are expanded to promote broadband access, adoption, and digital equity for underserved populations.

2. New Broadband Goals:

   • By 2028, the state aims for:
     • 95% of households to have broadband subscriptions.
       
     • 70% of eligible households to receive available Internet service discounts.
       
     • 95% of households to have access to personal computers or similar devices.
       

3. Multifamily Broadband Development Grant Program:

   • Establishes a grant program to support broadband deployment in multifamily housing and manufactured home parks.
     
   • Eligible expenses include:
     • Installing broadband and WiFi infrastructure.
     • Offering reduced-cost broadband services.
     • Providing technical assistance and outreach for tenants.

4. Changes to Broadband Grant Evaluation:

   • Maintains priority for projects in unserved areas.
   • Grants may prioritize:
     • Projects benefiting economically distressed areas.
     • Broadband access for community institutions (schools, hospitals, libraries, etc.).
     • Programs promoting broadband adoption, digital skills training, and online safety.

5. New Reporting & Data Collection Requirements:

   • The office must submit an annual report on broadband availability, usage, infrastructure, and policy recommendations.
     
   • Broadband deployment data will continue to be collected and verified through independent audits.
     

6. Public-Private Partnerships & Coordination:

   • Encourages collaboration between governments and private providers to enhance broadband expansion.
   • Promotes federal grant awareness to maximize broadband funding opportunities.

Summary:

The bill refocuses Minnesota’s broadband initiatives on ensuring digital equity, improving access for underserved communities, and increasing broadband adoption. It introduces a new grant program for multifamily housing, enhances broadband data collection, and sets ambitious goals for broadband access and affordability by 2028.