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Digital Equity Forum briefed on two bills, including HB 2365 to expand SBO role and HB 2579 funding proposal

Digital Equity Forum / State Broadband Office ยท February 10, 2026

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Summary

State Broadband Office staff summarized HB 2365, which would add a state digital equity plan responsibility to the SBO and must pass the House by Feb. 17, and HB 2579, a public media/digital equity proposal funded by a proposed 20'cent phone-line tax estimated to raise about $25 million annually but which did not pass policy cutoff.

State Broadband Office staff told the Digital Equity Forum that the office is tracking two bills this session with potential impact on the forum's work: HB 2365 and HB 2579.

HB 2365: Purpose and schedule Devin Proctor said HB 2365 would "expand the purpose of the statewide broadband office to include promoting digital equity and requires the SBO to implement and report on a state digital equity plan." Proctor noted the bill remained in the House rules and would need to move off the House floor by Feb. 17 to meet the house-origin cutoff before proceeding to the Senate.

HB 2579: Public media and funding Proctor described HB 2579 as a measure that would have required Commerce to establish a public media broadcaster program and a digital equity program to award funds to community organizations. The bill proposed funding via a 20'cent-per-month tax on phone lines; staff estimated that tax would generate about $25 million per year. Proctor said HB 2579 "did not make policy cutoff" and remained in committee.

What this means for the forum Both bills would affect the State Broadband Office's responsibilities and the scope of the forum's recommendations. Forum staff reminded members that, while individuals may contact legislators to advocate, the forum itself currently lacks authority to run a coordinated lobbying campaign as an entity. Staff encouraged members to review bill pages and offered to send legislative tracking emails and resources for those who want updates.

Next steps: deadlines and tracking Staff advised members to monitor bill status online and sign up for committee-hearing notifications; if HB 2365 moves to the floor calendar it would be highlighted as ready for a floor vote. Commerce said it can provide monthly e-mail summaries pointing to bill pages and hearing notices to help members follow developments.