Section 1 creates the Office of Broadband Development in the Department of Commerce.  The purpose of the office is to encourage, foster, develop, and improve broadband within the state.

Section 2 requires the creation of a “Fiber Collaboration Database’  Its requires the department of transportation  and permits other entities that frequently engage in projects that would allow the installation of broadband infrastructure  to post on the department’s website upcoming construction projects.

Section 3 requires the inclusion of policies and legislative recommendations to meet the state’s broadband goals in the annual report concerning broadband goals submitted by the commissioner of commerce to the legislature.

Section 4 creates a “dig-once” policy that provides that the state shall and local governments are encouraged to engage in a collaborative and coordinate strategy to install broadband infrastructure.

Section 5 requires the Office of Broadband Development to research and report recommendations concerning state programs and strategies  to promote the improvement, more efficient and effective use, and expansion of broadband services.

JCF/syl