A bill to create the Michigan high-speed internet office; to prescribe the powers and duties of the Michigan high-speed internet office; to allow the provision of grants and other financial and technical assistance related to broadband and digital infrastructure; and to provide the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities.
The legislation establishes the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, aiming to enhance broadband and digital infrastructure across the state. The office is tasked with implementing modern broadband infrastructure, facilitating public-private partnerships, and promoting policies to support economic development and community revitalization through improved internet access. The director of the office, appointed by the department's director, will oversee budgeting, expenditure, and personnel management in accordance with the Management and Budget Act. The office is authorized to award grants and provide financial and technical assistance to support its objectives, contingent upon appropriations. Additionally, the office will collect and analyze data to assess broadband availability and market competition, issue reports on service quality and costs, and serve as a liaison between the public and internet service providers to enhance access and transparency. The legislation mandates that broadband services must offer minimum speeds of 100 megabits per second downstream and 20 megabits per second upstream, scalable to higher speeds, to meet the state's educational, economic, and consumer needs.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Energy, Communications, and Technology
Reported without amendment
1. Amend page 4, line 8, by striking out “recommendations” and inserting “analysis”.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 56 to 54 (details)
Motion to give immediate effect
by
The motion prevailed by voice vote
Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs
