Two broadband-related bills of importance to cities have made it to their opposite chambers and are scheduled for hearings this week.

HB 1673 (Rep. Cindy Ryu, D–Shoreline), updates and streamlines the broadband infrastructure grants and loan program within the Public Works Board and establishes an emergency broadband grant and loan fund.

SB 5715 (Sen. Wellman, D–Mercer Island), modifies and expands the definition of broadband from 25 megabits per second download to 100 megabits, and from three megabits per second upload to 20 megabits (the current federal speed standard is 25/3).

AWC supports both bills.

Dates to remember

HB 1673 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology on February 22 at 10:30 am.

SB 5715 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Community & Economic Development on February 22 at 10 am. It is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Community & Economic Development on February 23 at 10 am.