STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2021) – Legislation supported by State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) prioritizing broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics could soon be law.
May said rural communities throughout the state struggle to get quality access to broadband and high speed internet. Currently, Indiana's infrastructure plan includes the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, which is available to supply reliable and affordable broadband service to areas of the state without good internet connection through the Office of Rural and Community Affairs. Under this legislation, OCRA must make it a priority to deploy these grants to unserved areas most in need first.
"Having to do more things online throughout the pandemic highlighted the disadvantages many Hoosiers experience with broadband availability," May said. "This legislation would prioritize those needing access the most, such as students, schools and health care clinics, and give unserved areas the opportunity to use funds from the grant program to expand reliable and affordable internet."
The bill would create a reverse auction for students who can self-report a lack of educational broadband service through a portal on the OCRA website. May said the broadband company that can provide service to the student's household for the lowest amount of money would be awarded the Next Level Connections grant.
A new voucher program will also be created through the legislation to help schools and clinics cover the cost of obtaining better internet speeds and higher quality connection.
House Enrolled Act 1449 now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
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