Signed by Governor Kristi Noem

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funds to expand rural access to broadband services.

Highlights:

• Transfers $75 million from the general fund to the Governor's Office of Economic Development for broadband expansion throughout the state of South Dakota (Sec. 1).

• Specifies appropriated funds will be used exclusively to expand and improve broadband in the state of South Dakota, via any transmission technology that can provide high-speed internet access, and for administrative costs necessary for expending these dollars efficiently and effectively (Sec. 2).

• Establishes priority will be given to projects that (Sec. 3):

• Seek to leverage private investment, federal grants, or extensions of existing infrastructure;

• Serve any location that does not currently offer broadband at speeds at or above 100 mbps download/20 mbps upload; or

• Are most cost-effective and technically efficient in that the projects propose to serve the highest number of homes, businesses, and community anchor points for the least cost and best level of service, emphasizing projects that offer the highest broadband speeds.

• Specifies funds will be disbursed according to the specific needs of each project and in such a way that best advances the broadband needs of the area to be served (Sec. 4).

• Requires the commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development to approve vouchers and the state auditor will draw warrants to pay expenditures authorized by this law (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text