HB 1982 sailed through the Senate, unamended, passing the Legislature by a near unanimous vote. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.
AWC supported the bill.
CERB rural broadband program codification receives unanimous approval in House
February 4, 2024
AWC is happy to report that HB 1982 is alive and well as it moves out of the House and over to the Senate. The bill was unanimously approved at each stop, in policy Committee, fiscal Committee and on the House Floor, receiving no amendments along the way.
HB 1982 was voted off the House floor last week and now awaits a hearing in the opposite chamber.
CERB seeks to codify broadband grant and loan program in state law
January 5, 2024
Rural communities could see more state support for the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure in Washington thanks to a bipartisan bill from Reps. Kevin Waters (R–Stevenson) and Clyde Shavers (D–Oak Harbor).
HB 1982 would establish a grant and loan program through the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) for local governments and federally recognized tribes to develop open-access broadband networks. The program would finance the cost to build infrastructure to provide high-speed, open-access internet service, to rural and underserved communities for the purpose of economic or community development.
Previously, CERB was authorized to administer such a program, but the authority was not codified in statute. Renewed authority and legislative appropriation were required each year. If passed, HB 1982 would enshrine the program in state law.
Since 1982, CERB has supported local communities with economic development and public infrastructure funding, providing a much-needed service to local governments across the state.
HB 1982 was introduced at an important time for broadband expansion efforts in Washington, as the state determines how to best improve access and close the gaps for those who remain disconnected. AWC supports the bill.
Dates to remember
HB 1982 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans Committee on Tuesday, January 9 at 10:30 am.