2019

HB2141 - Local services districts; broadband and telecommunications services.

Patron(s): Del. Thomas

Summary: Authorizes a local governing body, with respect to a service district, to construct, maintain, and operate such facilities and equipment as may be necessary or desirable to provide broadband and telecommunications services.

HB 2691 - Electric utilities; provision of broadband services to unserved areas.

Patron(s): Del. O'Quinn

Summary: Requires the State Corporation Commission to establish pilot programs under which Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power may submit a petition to provide or make available broadband capacity to nongovernmental Internet service providers in areas of the Commonwealth that are unserved by broadband. The costs of Dominion Power and Appalachian Power's proposals are each capped at $60 million annually. The provision of such broadband capacity is declared to be in the public interest. The measure authorizes the utilities to recover the net costs of the pilot program from customers through a rate adjustment clause. The measure authorizes such utility to own or lease broadband capacity equipment. The measure requires the Commission to conduct proceedings to determine whether an area is unserved by broadband.

HB2541/SB1618 - Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance; Broadband Advisory Council; expiration.

Patron(s): Del. Byron; Sen. Edwards

Summary: Extends the expiration of the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2021. The bill also repeals the expiration of the Broadband Advisory Council, and alters and expands from 14 to 17 its total membership.