RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
Act 24 (HB 74) 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Deshotel
New 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.
New law provides definitions.
New law provides the executive director shall be appointed by the governor subject to
confirmation by the Senate.
New law allows the executive director to employ staff to carry out the duties of new law.
New 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 new
law.
New law requires the governor to direct other state agencies to assist the office.
New 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 new law shall only go into effect at such time as funds are
appropriated sufficient to fully fund the provisions of new law.
New law sunsets the office at 12 o'clock midnight on June 30, 2023.
Effective at such time as funds are appropriated sufficient to fully fund the provisions of new
law.
(Adds R.S. 36:4(CC), R.S. 49:968(B)(21)(d), and R.S. 51:1361-1365)