Sen. Dodd Introduces Broadband Expansion Blueprint Bill

Thursday, May 19, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced new legislation that would create a blueprint for accelerating broadband deployment, including expanded wireless access, in an effort to improve connectivity for all Californians, especially low-income people and the underserved.

“There are still far too many people who can’t get adequate connectivity, making it impossible to compete in business or conduct their daily lives,” Sen. Dodd said. “My proposal would bring stakeholders together to identify our needs and plot a course for improvements. It will help ensure a greater number of people have access to this essential service.”

“To quickly and equitably boost connectivity for all Californians, we must first understand the barriers that prevent broadband access,” said Pat Fong Kushida, president and CEO of CalAsian Chamber of Commerce. “SB 717 gets to the root of the digital divide by examining the barriers to broadband deployment, and provides the Legislature with the tools necessary to expand access to rural, tribal and other communities that are underserved.”

More than ever, Californians increasingly depend on broadband for distance learning, telehealth, public safety, remote work and accessing vital government services. However, many communities across the state continue to lack access, leaving people at an inherent disadvantage and deepening disparities in education, health care and digital skills.

The wide-spread development of reliable, high-speed broadband is a critical part of the solution – both wireline and wireless options. Buildout of the necessary infrastructure could be accelerated by identifying and removing barriers to expanded deployment.

Senate Bill 717, also known as the Broadband Access Point Investment Acceleration Study Act of 2022, would help address the state’s broadband infrastructure needs. It requires the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, with inclusive input from relevant stakeholders and state agencies, to deliver a report to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2024 on hurdles to broadband development on public and private land, with a focus on low-income and tribal communities. The report would identify bottlenecks, regulatory and otherwise, and put forward meaningful recommendations for solutions on future infrastructure investment.

The bill is expected to be heard first in the Assembly before returning to the Senate for confirmation.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.