Us Congress House Bill HB9450

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/3/24
• Refer: 9/3/24

Caption

PROTOCOL Act Provide Rigorous Oversight To Optimize Connectivity and Offset Latency Act

Impact

The implementation of HB9450 is significant for state laws concerning broadband funding and deployment as it seeks to tighten federal oversight and ensure accountability in broadband infrastructure initiatives. By mandating that every federal agency utilize the updated Deployment Locations Map when awarding funding, the bill centralizes the process, aiming to eliminate redundancy and improve efficiency in broadband deployment across states. This may lead to more equitable distribution of resources aimed at enhancing connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

Summary

House Bill 9450, also known as the PROTOCOL Act (Provide Rigorous Oversight To Optimize Connectivity and Offset Latency Act), aims to enhance the mapping and database systems for broadband deployment as established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the ACCESS BROADBAND Act. The bill proposes improvements to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Deployment Locations Map, allowing users to refine their searches of broadband infrastructure projects by various parameters including the type of entity receiving support and network types. Moreover, it introduces requirements for reporting the locations and specifics of broadband services made available through federal support, establishing a comprehensive oversight mechanism for state reports.

Contention

Discussions around HB9450 may reflect concerns regarding the balance of federal versus state control in broadband deployment initiatives. Supporters argue that federal oversight and coordination through a centralized database will streamline the accessibility of broadband funding, ultimately benefiting consumers by improving access to reliable internet services. However, critics could raise issues about local governance and whether state-specific needs could be overlooked in favor of a more standardized federal approach, which could inadvertently marginalize localized efforts tailored to specific community challenges.