SB 377 – Broadband Development
Authored by Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington)

Establishes the Indiana broadband expansion fund for deposit and distribution of federal broadband funding and calls for an appropriation of $100,000,000 to the fund, which will be distributed proportionally to the (1) rural broadband fund (60%), (2) the connectivity program (30%) and (3) the adoption program (10%).

(1) The rural broadband fund provision is similar to the existing statute except that it amends the priorities for eligible areas, as well as the priorities for eligible projects to elevate those that will serve more households at a lower cost to the state.

(2) The connectivity program permits residents and businesses to submit their address to an online portal to report that they have slow broadband. Then, providers may bid on a grant to service those addresses.

(3) The adoption program, through which the state will provide financial assistance to an individual who reports through the public broadband portal that: (1) Internet connectivity or broadband Internet connectivity is available at the individual’s address; but (2) the individual is unable to afford the service.

Chamber position: Support

The latest: On Thursday, the Senate Utilities Committee passed the bill unanimously 10-0.

Indiana Chamber action/commentary: The Chamber testified in favor of SB 377, emphasizing the important policy shift away from the current broadband grant program and towards funding last mile connectivity to (1) end users who proactively request service and (2) those who have access to high speed broadband but are unable to afford adoption of it.

The Chamber highlighted the 2020 report published by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs that showed that nearly one year after $28.4 million in grants were awarded less than 3% of residents who should be served have been connected to high speed broadband. Further, adoption rates stand at 43% in the census blocks where a network has been deployed. We made these points to highlight concerns with the existing program and reiterate support for the state to champion a broadband policy in favor of businesses and residents who want (and will adopt) broadband. The Chamber argues that an efficient use of taxpayer dollars is focusing more on adoption than access.

We concluded testimony by stating that passing this bill would be a signal to everyone in America seeking a new place to live, work, play and worship that they can move to Indiana with confidence that they can access and adopt high speed broadband – regardless of the city, town or community in which their family lands.


You’ve Got to Be Kidding! Legislator Attacks Content Rights of Private Companies 

In Indiana, we strive to be a national leader in many categories and to be acknowledged for those positive efforts. The recognition and notice, however, too often come from negative actions.

The Indiana General Assembly and Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) “earned” the dishonor this week with a backdoor, sneak attack on social media, technology and, in reality, all business operations.

In the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, which Morris chairs, he called his bill (HB 1519) that was intended to limit pandemic restrictions. However, rather than hearing his bill, Morris used a “strip and insert” amendment to completely replace the original text with language that would penalize technology companies up to $50,000 for censoring content or restricting a user’s access to the internet platform. He described such actions as limiting free speech.

One must understand that there are many “platforms” that publish user generated content other than Facebook and Twitter, some of which are based here in Indiana (e.g., Powderkeg, Angie’s List, RestUp, etc.). Without these companies having the ability to monitor their users – and the content they publish – the integrity, reputation and profitability of their businesses will be jeopardized and technology companies will be deterred from doing business in or moving to Indiana.

One can debate the contributions – and limits – of Twitter, Facebook and more. That is not the point here. One, especially a lawmaker, should not try to unconstitutionally prohibit businesses from the important role of controlling information on their privately owned platforms. Again, this would potentially apply to all organizations that rely on user-generated content.

There was no input sought from Indiana’s growing and influential tech community. There was no prior notice to other lawmakers. There was no testimony or discussion. In other words, an attempt to push one lawmaker’s agenda through the process at what could have been an enormous expense.

The committee vote was 6-6 on the amendment (with one lawmaker’s temporary absence possibly preventing passage). The bill has now been assigned to the House Rules Committee, meaning it likely will not resurface this session.

We’ve unfortunately evolved to a point where few are surprised when actions like this come out of Washington. In Indiana, we demand transparency and accountability throughout the legislative process. Legislators may have earned the right to bring ideas forward for consideration. But they must show their constituents and colleagues the courtesy of a fair and proper process and debate.

Resource: Adam H. Berry at (317) 264-6892 or email: aberry@indianachamber.com