GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 74 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Deshotel
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Creates the state office of broadband (Item #39)
DIGEST
Proposed law creates the office of broadband and connectivity, places it within the office of
the governor, and requires the office to report to the governor and various committees.
Proposed law provides definitions.
Proposed law provides the executive director shall be appointed by the governor subject to
confirmation by the Senate.
Proposed law allows the executive director to employ staff to carry out the duties of proposed
law.
Proposed law requires the executive director to submit an annual report to the legislature
which is to contain certain information regarding the activities of the office, data and
assessments relative to broadband and connectivity, a mapping initiative, information on
available grants, recommendations for legislation, and needed resources to achieve the duties
set out in proposed law.
Proposed law requires the governor to direct other state agencies to assist the office.
Proposed law provides for the functions, powers, and duties of the office which serve to
advance the expansion and accessibility of broadband and other connectivity services in the
state, and provides the office the authority to contract with persons and government agencies
in order to carry out those duties.
Provides that the provisions of proposed law shall only go into effect at such time as funds
are appropriated sufficient to fully fund the provisions of proposed law.
Proposed law sunsets the office at 12 o'clock midnight on June 30, 2023.
(Adds R.S. 36:4(CC), R.S. 49:968(B)(21)(d), and R.S. 51:1361-1365)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Commerce to the
original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Require the governor to provide written notice of termination of the executive
director to the nominating committee, instead of requiring the concurrence
of the nominating committee.
3. Add additional duties to the office of broadband and connectivity.
Page 1 of 2
Prepared by Martha Hess. Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the reengrossed bill
1. Removes the nomination and termination process for the executive director
and instead provides that executive director be appointed by the governor
subject to confirmation by the Senate.
2. Terminates provisions of proposed law on June 30, 2023, at midnight.
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the
reengrossed bill
1. Clarifies that the office of broadband and connectivity shall establish
procedures to review and comment on the federal mapping initiative created
by federal law that precisely maps the availability of broadband services to
every home and business in the state.
2. Provides that the provisions of proposed law shall only go into effect at such
time as funds are appropriated sufficient to fully fund the provisions of
proposed law.
Page 2 of 2
Prepared by Martha Hess.