Provides for the regulation of certain broadband services. (8/1/26)

SB 80 Original 2026 Regular Session Mizell

Present law provides for the office of broadband development and connectivity.

Proposed law provides for the oversight and enforcement authority by the office of broadband development and connectivity.

Proposed law provides for the applicability of proposed law.

Present law provides that the office may use up to 1% of the appropriated funds to administer the GUMBO program. Provides that the office may use an additional 1% of the appropriated funds to hire third-party contractors as deemed necessary for the further administration of the GUMBO program and provides that the additional 1% percent shall not be used as compensation for any new or existing positions within the office.

Proposed law increases the amount the office may use to administer the GUMBO program from 1% to 2.5%.

Proposed law increases the amount the office may use to hire third-party contractors as deemed necessary for the further administration of the GUMBO program from 1% to 2.5%.

Present law provides the initial funding of ten percent shall be distributed to a GUMBO 1.0 grantee once the grantee has demonstrated that 10% of the project has been completed. Provides that payments shall be then distributed as follows: 35% completion, 60% completion, 85% completion, and the final 15% payment shall not be paid without an approved completion report.

Proposed law amends present law to provide that after the initial funding of 10%, the office may determine the thresholds of completion for the remaining disbursements and promulgate appropriate rules. Requires the final payment not be paid without an approved completion report.

Present law provides that except as provided in present law, the next 10% of the GUMBO 2.0 subgrant award, after the initial 10%, shall be provided based on provider certification and the office's verification that 10% of the eligible locations have been reached. Provides that the remaining disbursements shall be given at the thresholds of completion of 35%, 60%, 85%, and 100%.

Proposed law amends present law to provide that the office may determine the thresholds of completion for the remaining disbursements which shall be defined in the GUMBO 2.0 subgrant agreement.

Present law creates the GUMBO 3.0 program.

Proposed law provides for grants administered under the GUMBO 3.0 program.

Present law creates the GUMBO 4.0 program.

Proposed law provides for grants administered under the GUMBO 4.0 program.

Effective August 1, 2026.

(Amends R.S. 51:2370.13, 2370.15, 2370.32(B), 2370.41, and 2370.51; adds R.S. 51:1362.1)