What does Preamble of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a competitive grant program to assist local governments in providing efficient review and approval of zoning and permitting applications that facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure, and for other purposes,' aims to support local governments. The bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a competitive grant program. The grant program is intended to assist local governments in streamlining the review and approval of zoning and permitting applications. The focus of the program is on applications related to the deployment of broadband infrastructure.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This section outlines findings related to broadband deployment. Congress previously allocated over $42.5 billion for broadband expansion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Local governments are recognized as significant actors in broadband infrastructure deployment through zoning and permitting. Local governments are expected to face an increased volume of applications related to broadband infrastructure. The Federal Government is identified as having a role in encouraging broadband deployment by local governments. A competitive grant program is proposed to support local governments in expanding broadband access.

What does BROADBAND INCENTIVES FOR COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This section establishes a Broadband Incentives for Communities Grant Program administered by the Assistant Secretary. The program provides grants to covered entities on a competitive basis to assist in the efficient review and approval of covered applications. To be eligible for a grant, a covered entity must submit an application and demonstrate readiness for broadband infrastructure deployment. Readiness includes adopting efficient processes for reviewing applications, complying with federal standards, and allowing expedited deployment methods like micro-trenching. Covered entities must also implement reasonable fees for processing applications, limited to actual costs or published in advance. Grant funds can be used for capacity-building, such as employee training and hiring, and for purchasing technology to facilitate application processing.

What does LOCAL BROADBAND ADVISORY COUNCIL. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This section establishes the Local Broadband Advisory Council. The Council is tasked with developing solutions to challenges in wireless and broadband deployment, particularly in unserved and underserved communities. The Assistant Secretary will appoint members to the Council, including representatives from the broadband industry, infrastructure providers, local governments, and covered entities. The Council must submit a report of its developed solutions to the Assistant Secretary and Congress within one year of its establishment.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Assistant Secretary. The sums authorized are those deemed necessary to carry out this Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Broadband Incentives for Communities Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Assistant Secretary” is defined as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. “Broadband infrastructure” refers to facilities or equipment used for broadband internet access service, as defined in 47 C.F.R. § 8.1(b). The “Council” is the Local Broadband Advisory Council established under section 4. A “covered application” is a zoning or permitting application that supports broadband infrastructure deployment. “Covered entity” includes political subdivisions of a State and Indian Tribes (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304). “State” encompasses each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths, territories, or possessions.

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Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

Last updated: 4/21/2025 · Introduced: 4/21/2025

Author: Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a competitive grant program to help local governments streamline the review and approval of broadband infrastructure deployment applications.
The bill creates a Local Broadband Advisory Council to develop solutions for wireless and broadband deployment challenges, particularly in underserved areas.
It authorizes funding for the grant program and the Advisory Council to support broadband infrastructure expansion.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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