HB 3201 passed out of the Oregon House on Thursday and is headed to the Senate.
The bill requires Business Oregon to provide financial assistance to support broadband access, affordability, and adoption. It permits the department to establish one or more programs to provide financial assistance. It also requires Business Oregon give preference to projects that serve unserved or underserved areas.
“HB 3201 is a bipartisan bill that prepares the state for incoming federal funds dedicated to broadband expansion,” said State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) “I am proud to be a sponsor of this legislation, because it will promote broadband expansion in rural Oregon.”