FECB1E8E9F629EF18725824E006BA66F Hearing Summary

Speaker Duran and Majority Leader Becker, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-002, cocnering the financing of broadband development.  Testimony was taken on Monday, March 5, 2018.  Speaker Duran distributed and discussed Amendment L.039 [Attachment A], which makes several changes to the reengrossed bill.

Majority Leader Becker distributed and discussed L.049 [Attachment B], which adds language to require that projects with federal funds subject to the right of first refusal must be completed within 24 months after the date that the applicant filed the application and adds additional language requiring that incumbents that receive federal funds file an affidavit that the build out will be completed within 24 months and demonstrate that the unserved addresses meet the minimum speed requirements.

Majority Leader Becker distributed and discussed Amendment L.047 [Attachment C].  The Majority Leader stated that in order to avoid a settled question with previous amendments, the amendment should be moved with lines 5,6, and 15 severed.

Speaker Duran distrbuted and discussed L.041 [Attachment D], which makes changes to the bill, including clarifying that payments from the high cost support mechanism fund will be distributed quarterly.

Majority Leader Becker distributed and discussed Amendment L.042 [Attachment E], which makes several changes to the bill.

Representative Hansen distributed and moved L.050 [Attachment F]. The bill sponsors responded to questions regarding the amendment and committee discussion ensued.

Representative Buck distributed and discussed Amendment L.037. [Attachment G]. Rep. Buck moved the amendment, and committee discussion ensued. The chair ruled that the amendment was out of order, as it amended sections of the bill previously amended by Amendment L.041 (House Rule 34 (a)).

Committee discussion ensued and the sponsors mande closing comments regarding the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.