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Senate adopts ‘net equity’ amendment to promote affordable broadband for low-income residents
Summary
Senate Bill 514 as amended creates a voluntary program asking DEEP to define an affordable broadband option (maximum $40) for SNAP recipients and offers participating providers preference in state contracting; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed.
The Connecticut Senate on May 21 adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 514 to establish a voluntary "net equity" program aimed at expanding affordable broadband access. The strike-all amendment (LCO 8971) directs the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to create a program encouraging broadband providers to offer a qualifying low-cost service (a maximum monthly cost of $40, adjusted by CPI after 2026) to SNAP beneficiaries; participating providers would receive preference in state contract award evaluations.
Senator Maroney, sponsor of the amendment, described it as a "carrot" approach to incentivize providers rather than mandate service. He said the amendment removed some hard-to-measure requirements from earlier drafts and preserved provider choice while giving procurement preference to participants.
Members questioned implementation details — including protections if providers’ costs rise, whether preference in contracting is common practice, and whether the program would inadvertently raise rates for noneligible customers. Senator Ciccarella asked whether a formal preference for bidders is used elsewhere; proponents said similar incentive programs exist in other statutes. Sponsors pointed to the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and state digital-equity surveys showing many households lack high-speed connections and argued the measure improves outreach and access.
The amendment passed on the floor and an immediate roll-call vote on the bill as amended was taken; the Clerk reported the legislation passed.
Next steps: The statute tasks DEEP with program development and establishes pricing parameters; further rule-making and procurement guidance will be needed for implementation.
