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 proposed legislation aims to establish the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This office will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of modern broadband and digital infrastructure across the state. The office will be led by a director appointed by the department's director, who must be qualified by training and experience. The office is empowered to award grants and provide financial and technical assistance to support its objectives, contingent upon appropriations. The primary goals include facilitating collaboration between public and private entities, identifying best practices, and promoting policies that leverage broadband infrastructure to revitalize communities, support economic development, and enhance workforce retention. Additionally, the office will focus on capacity building and digital literacy, collecting and analyzing data to assess broadband availability, and issuing reports on market competition and service quality. The office will also serve as a liaison between the public and broadband service providers to improve access, adoption, and transparency.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment
Reported with substitute S-1
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
