Bill Sponsors
J. Lombardi, Hull, and Stewart
Committee
House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
Summary
Select
This legislation establishes a new position called the broadband community outreach coordinator within the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities. The primary responsibility of this coordinator is to assist residents of the state in understanding and applying for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides financial assistance for internet services. The bill aims to facilitate better access to broadband for eligible residents by providing dedicated support for navigating the federal application process.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Promotes digital equity by helping low-income and disadvantaged residents access affordable internet, which is crucial for education, employment, and social participation.
- Strengthens the social safety net by providing direct government assistance to navigate complex federal bureaucracy, ensuring eligible citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to.
- Maximizes the utilization of federal funds within the state to support the poor, rather than letting available aid go unused due to a lack of awareness or technical barriers.
Cons for Progressives
- Relies on the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which has faced funding instability, meaning the coordinator's role could become obsolete if federal funding is cut.
- Creates only a single coordinator position, which may be insufficient to address the needs of the entire state population requiring assistance.
- Does not address the structural issues of high internet costs or hold internet service providers accountable for pricing, acting only as a band-aid solution.
Pros for Conservatives
- Utilizes federal dollars to support local internet access without requiring new state taxes or significant state-funded subsidies.
- Supports market participation by helping customers pay for private internet services, benefitting businesses without imposing price controls.
- Focuses on a specific administrative task (outreach) rather than creating a large, sprawling regulatory agency with undefined powers.
Cons for Conservatives
- Expands the size of state government by creating a new bureaucratic position and salary that will be funded by taxpayers.
- Encourages reliance on federal government handouts and welfare programs rather than promoting self-sufficiency.
- Uses state resources to facilitate a federal program, intertwining state operations further with federal spending initiatives.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Low-income residents
- Internet service providers
- Division of Public Utilities
- Students
- Rural residents
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
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Public Services
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Regulatory
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Environmental Impact
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Privacy Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/15/2026 Introduced, referred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 39-28 of the General Laws entitled "Broadband Deployment and Investment Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
39-28-8. Broadband community outreach coordinator -- Affordable connectivity program.
There is hereby established, within the division of public utilities, a broadband community outreach coordinator to assist state residents interested in learning more and/or applying for, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
39-28-8. Broadband community outreach coordinator -- Affordable connectivity program.
There is hereby established, within the division of public utilities, a broadband community outreach coordinator to assist state residents interested in learning more and/or applying for, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.