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SF3095 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Internet service providers requirement to provide low-cost broadband Internet to low-income Minnesotans

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide affordable broadband Internet service to low-income Minnesotans by requiring Internet service providers to offer low-cost options. This initiative seeks to ensure that essential internet services are accessible to families in financial need.

Main Provisions

  • Eligibility for Low-Cost Broadband: Internet service providers in Minnesota must offer discounted broadband service to low-income households. Eligibility is based on participation in specified government assistance programs, such as the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), medical assistance, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

  • Service Specifications: Providers are required to offer broadband services with minimum download speeds. Specifically, speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) should cost no more than $15 per month, and speeds of 200 Mbps should be capped at $20 per month, inclusive of taxes and fees.

  • Pricing Adjustments: Providers may adjust prices based on changes in the Consumer Price Index but are limited to increases every two to five years depending on the speed class.

  • Exemptions: Providers serving fewer than 20,000 households may be exempt if compliance would cause financial hardship.

  • Contracts: Low-income broadband service contracts must have comparable terms and conditions to regular service offerings, except for price and speed.

  • Promotion and Reporting: Providers must actively promote these low-income programs and submit annual reports detailing service offerings, customer enrollment, advertising efforts, and compliance.

Significant Changes

  • Annual Review and Reporting: The Minnesota Commission is tasked with assessing services and pricing at least once every five years to determine if minimum speed requirements should align with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benchmarks.

  • Public Awareness and Legislative Updates: The public will be informed about available broadband options, and reports will be submitted to legislative officials, suggesting changes to meet consumer needs.

Relevant Terms

broadband, low-income, Internet service, Minnesota Family Investment Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, medical assistance, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, download speed, Consumer Price Index, Federal Communications Commission, eligibility, attorney general

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 27, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 27, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the term 'broadband service' as per existing statute section 116J.39.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116J.39",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1, paragraph b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the federal low-income home energy assistance program under title 42 of the United States Code.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "42 U.S.C. § 8621",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the federal statute concluding the low-income home energy assistance program under title 42.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "42 U.S.C. § 8629",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to section empowering the attorney general to enforce statutes under section 8.31.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "8.31",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors