Bills › 89th General Assembly
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2021
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 14, 2021
- Done: House committeeFebruary 16, 2021
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 586
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 586 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 586 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Iowa would create two new certification programs to help local governments improve high-speed internet access and support people working from home. The state's economic development authority will set the rules for these programs and work with local officials to review applications. Additionally, the department of transportation will take over a program that helps install fiberoptic cables during construction projects.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the development and utilization of high-speed electronic transmission mediums, including certifications to be issued by the economic development authority and the fiberoptic conduit installation program. The bill requires the authority to establish a broadband forward certification program and a telecommuter forward certification program. The objective of the broadband forward certification program is to encourage political subdivisions to further develop broadband infrastructure and access to broadband. The objective of the telecommuter forward certification program is to encourage political subdivisions to further develop and promote the availability of telecommuting. The bill provides that a political subdivision is to apply to the authority for broadband forward certification or telecommuter forward certification on forms prescribed by the authority by rule. The bill requires the authority to develop criteria for evaluating applications for broadband forward certification and telecommuter forward certification. The bill provides that such criteria shall take into account the applicant’s individual circumstances and economic goals. The bill additionally provides that the authority shall consult with local government entities and local economic development officials when evaluating an application. The bill repeals the fiberoptic network conduit installation program under the authority of the office of the chief information officer and reestablishes the program under the purview of the department of transportation. _____ to the installation of fiberoptic network conduit where such conduit does not exist. More specifically, the department is to coordinate with applicable agencies and entities to ensure there is an opportunity to install fiberoptic network conduit during certain projects. The bill also requires the department to maintain and publish on its internet site a list of construction projects utilizing public funding that involve opening the ground alongside a private road.
Changed since by amendment H-1231; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 14, 2021. On January 20, 2021 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Fiscal note
AI summary This bill creates two new certification programs through the Iowa Economic Development Authority to encourage broadband development and telecommuting. The state's General Fund would pay an estimated $28,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $38,000 in fiscal year 2023 to fund a part-time position to run these programs. Other information technology and programming costs are uncertain.3
Read the fiscal note
Description
House File 586 relates to the development and utilization of high-speed electronic transmission mediums. The Bill:
- Includes public utilities, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), and other state and local entities that the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) must consult and coordinate with during administration of the Fiberoptic Network Conduit Installation Program.
- Establishes the Broadband Forward Certification Program in the IEDA, with the objective of encouraging political subdivisions to further develop broadband infrastructure and access to broadband.
- Establishes the Telecommuter Forward Certification Program in the IEDA, with the objective of encouraging political subdivisions to further develop and promote availability of telecommuting. Requires a political subdivision to apply to the IEDA for these certifications.
Background
The OCIO is attached to the Department of Administrative Services for accounting and fiscal services and was created for the purpose of leading, directing, managing, coordinating, and providing accountability for the information technology resources of State government and for coordinating statewide broadband availability and access. The OCIO coordinates numerous programs related to broadband within the State. 2015 Iowa Acts, HF 655, chapter 120, created the Fiberoptic Network Conduit Installation Program within the OCIO. To date, the OCIO has not implemented the Fiberoptic Network Conduit Installation Program under Iowa Code section 8B.25. Currently, the OCIO administers the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program, which has awarded $44.3 million in rural broadband grants since 2018. A map of past awards can be found here.
Assumptions
- The OCIO will not reduce expenditures due to the initiation of the Broadband Forward Certification Program and Telecommuter Forward Certification Program within the IEDA, as these programs were not yet funded and implemented by the OCIO.
- The IEDA would need to hire a 0.5 FTE position at the Economic Development Specialist 2 classification level with a start date of October 1, 2021. Estimated salary and benefits for the 0.5 FTE position would cost $28,000 in FY 2022. Information technology and other programming costs to the IEDA are uncertain.
Fiscal Impact
The table below shows the estimated costs of HF 586.
IEDA: Funding for the 0.5 FTE position and related costs to administer the Broadband Forward Certification and Broadband Telecommuter Certifications Programs would likely be appropriated from the General Fund.
Sources
- Legislative Services Agency
- Iowa Office of Chief Information Officer
- Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Iowa Department of Administrative Services
- Iowa Department of Transportation
- Broadband Access, Certifications · March 24, 2021
- Broadband Access, Certifications · February 22, 2021
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89th General Assembly
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.
Tried before
This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None became law, though one got through a chamber.
- HF 2520 Relating to the development and utilization of high-speed electronic transmission mediums88th General Assembly · Passed House · nearly identicalPassed a chamber
Matched by wording or an identical title.