Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would establish award grants to Internet service providers in order to create broadband infrastructure to underserved parts of Ohio.

Highlights:

• Establishes a residential broadband expansion program within the Department of Commerce (Sec. 188.03).

• Prohibits the board members of this program from being affiliated with or employed by the broadband industry or in a position to benefit from a grant (Sec. 188.05).

• Requires the broadband expansion program to award program grants using funds from the Ohio residential broadband expansion grant program fund (Sec. 188.17).

• Requires broadband providers that receive grants to provide a performance bond, letter of credit or other financial assurance acceptable to the authority prior to the start of construction (Sec. 188.21).

• Requires a grant to be awarded as follows (Sec. 188.44):

• No more than 30 percent will be disbursed prior to construction of the project;

• No more than 60 percent will be discussed through periodic payments over the course of construction; and

• The remaining portion will be disbursed no later than 60 days after the broadband provider notifies the board that it has completed construction of the project.

• Requires grant recipients to submit an annual progress report on the status of the deployment of the broadband network described in the eligible project for which the award was made (Sec. 188.70).

Full Bill Text