On Wednesday, legislation aimed at expanding the adoption of broadband in California was approved by the Legislature and today will move to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 740 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) passed the State Assembly by a vote of 59-16-3. The bill required a two-thirds vote. Last night, the bill moved back to the State Senate where it passed on a procedural concurrence vote due to amendments accepted in the Assembly.
SB740 proposes to add $90 million to the existing California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) program of the California Public Utilities Commission, and expand eligibility beyond telephone corporations and wireless companies.
"Expanding broadband deployment to every corner of California is essential to our economy," said Senator Padilla in a written statement. "SB740 will ensure that we finish the state’s critical investment in our digital infrastructure so every person in the state has access to broadband."
Assembly Bill (AB) 1299 by Assembly member Steven Bradford (D– Gardena) providing for broadband expansion in affordable housing units also passed today and will be transmitted up to the Governor’s desk for signature shortly. The Governor has 30 days to sign or veto the legislation after the day of transmittal.
