HB 166 - AS INTRODUCED
2025 SESSION
25-0140
06/08
HOUSE BILL166
AN ACTestablishing a committee to review Internet service providers' infrastructure transition plan from copper to fiber.
SPONSORS:Rep. Edwards, Rock. 31; Rep. Ammon, Hills. 42; Rep. Post, Hills. 42; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Rochefort, Dist 1
COMMITTEE:Science, Technology and Energy
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a committee to review Internet service providers' infrastructure transition plan from copper to fiber.
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Explanation:Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
25-0140
06/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
AN ACTestablishing a committee to review Internet service providers' infrastructure transition plan from copper to fiber.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the impact of technology innovation in providing Internet service to all New Hampshire residents as Internet service providers and/or broadband providers transition away from supporting copper connectivity to the home to all fiber.
2 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) Three members of the house of representatives, at least one from each party, and appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) Two members of the senate, one from each party, appointed by the president of the senate.
II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
3 Duties. The committee shall invite Internet service providers and/or broadband providers to describe plans to transition New Hampshire residents to a mostly all fiber infrastructure, traditionally underserved Internet community leaders, the public utilities commission, Internet service provider union representatives, and other subject matter experts as may be required.
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
5 Report. The committee shall report its findings on the status of current plans for copper replacement with fiber and the impact of consumers in either an access or cost perspective, and general impacts on broad areas such as economic development and competitiveness, access to educational opportunities and to health care services, and impact of household costs to maintain Internet access through the transition period and beyond; and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library with a draft report on or before November 1, 2025, and a final report no later than November 1, 2026.
6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.