An Act To Establish a Broadband Policy for Maine
Maine Legislature, Session 124, LD 1646
Committee Amendment CA_A_H685 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A " to H.P. 1174, L.D. 1646, Bill, "An Act To 
Establish a Broadband Policy for Maine" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and before the enacting clause 
and inseliing the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, the availability of broadband service to all residents of the State is 
impOliant for economic growth and 0ppOliunity; and 
Whereas, facilitating increased use of broadband in this State will spur fUliher 
broadband infrastructure investment and result in benefits to the users and to the economy 
of the State; and 
Whereas, the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has set 
aside $7,200,000,000 for broadband expansion in unserved and underserved areas of the 
Nation, and over $25,000,000 of those funds have been granted to a middle-mile 
broadband project in the State that will result in further private investment in last-mile 
infrastructure in the State; and 
Whereas, the State will be benefited by attracting and receiving fllliher federal 
funding for additional broadband projects in this State; and 
Whereas, pali of the process for receiving federal funds includes a review by the 
State to determine whether each grant application is consistent with the State's broadband 
policy; and 
Whereas, all grant awards under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment 
Act of 2009 are scheduled to be awarded prior to the commencement of the 125th 
Legislature; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITIEE AMENDMENT "A ,. to H.P. 1174, L.D. 1646 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the 
emergency clause and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. 3S-A MRS A §9202-A is enacted to read: 
§9202..;A. State broadband policy 
1. Goal. It is the goal of the State that: 
A. 
Broadband service become and remain, as nearly as possible, universally 
available in this State, including to all residential and business locations and 
community anchor institutions in the State; and 
B. A secure, reliable and sustainable forward-looking infrastructure that can meet 
future broadband needs is developed. 
2. Policy. It is the policy of the State to: 
A. Maximize sustainable private investment in broadband infrastructure in the State 
. and to promote broadband infrastructure deployment and availability to all 
individuals, businesses and institutions in this State, including those that require ultra 
high-speed Internet access; 
B. Maximize federal grant resources and private investment opportunities to support 
the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the 
State in a manner consistent with paragraph A; 
C. 
Prioritize the use of state broadband resources to assist private infrastructure 
deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the State; 
D. 
Maximize the number of state permits and licenses that may be obtained or 
renewed online at rates equal to or less than the rates set for obtaining or renewing 
the permits or licenses in person; 
E. Increase the number of subscribers to broadband services in the State so as to 
ensure that all residents of the State are able to fully take advantage of the economic 
opportunities available through broadband Internet connectivity, including by: 
(I) 
Educating residents of the State about the benefits and opportunities 
associated with broadband services, such as distance learning opportunities, 
opportunities in telemedicine, as defined in Title 24-A, section 4316, and state 
programs available online; and 
(2) Educating small businesses regarding the advantages of broadband access, 
such as online business reporting and tax filings and national and global 'sales 
opportunities; and 
F. 
Seek to expand computer ownership and training in this State and ensure 
appropriate computer equipment is available for use by public school students. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMllTEE AMENDMENT "A ,,~o H.P. 1174, L.D. 1646. 
In order to facilitate the achievement of the goals and policies of this section, the 
authority shall establish and regularly update, after opportunity for public comment and 
taking into consideration relevant federal policies, a definition of "broadband.'" 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the bill. The amendment establishes celiain broadband 
goals and policies to promote broadband infnlstructure deployment and availability in this 
State. 
FISCAL \OTE HEQCIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 02/26/1 0 :%Pac 
LD 1646 
LR 2173(02) 
An Act To Establish a Broadband Policy for Maine 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment ';4" 
Committee: Utilities and Energy 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - All Funds 
Minor revenue decrease - All Funds 
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This bill does not specificalIy require any action by state agencies. However, some goals, most notably the goal of 
rates for on-line renewal of permits and licenses at rates equal to or less than rates for in-person renewals, may result 
in reductions of fee revenue to the extent that the fees are established administratively rather than by statute and other 
goals may result in additional expenditures by state agencies. The impact on fee revenue is not expected to be 
significant and any additional activities necessitating additional costs are expected to be implemented within existing 
budgeted resources. 
LR2173(02) - Fiscal Note - Page I of I 
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