A hot topic this year in Olympia is the deployment of broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the state. AWC has been closely tracking numerous telecommunication bills: HB 1336, sponsored by Rep. Drew Hansen (D–Bainbridge Island), HB 1440, sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke (R–Kennewick), HB 1460, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–Kent), and SB 5357, sponsored by Sen. Jim Honeyford (R–Sunnyside).

HB 1336, sponsored by Rep. Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island), would provide expanded authority to all public entities to provide broadband and telecommunication services within their jurisdictions. Currently, public utility districts (PUDs) may only operate a telecommunications facility for retail service if there are no other internet service providers willing to provide service. As we reported last week, AWC staff worked closely with Rep. Hansen to remove first-class and code cities from the legislation as they already have this authority. AWC supports HB 1336.

AWC and others significant concerns with HB 1440, sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke (R–Kennewick). The bill would preempt local governments and remove their ability to govern the rights-of-way much further than the 2018 FCC order. This bill will likely not be scheduled for a public hearing; instead, a work session has been scheduled in the House Community and Economic Development Committee. AWC will continue to monitor the bill through the legislative session.

HB 1460 aims to address the digital divide facing communities across the state. The bill proposes additional excise taxes on telecommunication services to fund the expansion of universal service programs in the state. By adding excise taxes on internet access service subscriptions and switched access lines, the state can support the following digital equity programs:

• Senior call-check service and notification program: provides seniors a daily call to verify whether the participant is able to receive notifications and answer the telephone.
• Washington lifeline program: provides qualified low-income customers rate assistance to secure voice and broadband services.
• Universal teleconnect service program: establishes a service program to provide discounted rates for telecommunication services to qualifying K-12 schools, community colleges, libraries, community-based and public hospitals, community-based and public health clinics, and community organizations
• Digital equity opportunity program: expands the statewide broadband office’s responsibilities to improve broadband accessibility and adoption for unserved and underserved communities and populations

Over the interim, AWC participated in weekly stakeholder meetings with Rep. Gregerson to advocate city broadband needs. We support the bill’s intent to make broadband services more accessible for unserved and underserved communities in our cities.

Finally, SB 5357 establishes a capital broadband investment acceleration program within the Department of Commerce’s statewide broadband office. The office would oversee a $200 million competitive grant program to increase broadband access in unserved areas of the state. Cities would be eligible to apply for the competitive grant funding.

Dates to remember

HB 1460 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee on February 9 at 10:30 am.

SB 5357 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 11 at 4 pm.