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Panel advances bill requiring broadband providers to report low-income programs after major amendments
Summary
The Economic Matters Committee advanced House Bill 382, narrowed to require broadband providers to report what low-income programs they offer rather than create a statewide definition; sponsors said the change removed major opposition and leaves the Office with data to consider next steps.
Chair opened consideration of House Bill 382 and Presenter (speaker 5) said the Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act was significantly amended to require certain providers to report programs that make service eligible for low-income consumers rather than impose a statewide definition.
Presenter (speaker 5) said, “This bill was significantly amended, and now is simply requiring certain broadband providers in the state to establish a program to report on broadband services that are made eligible to low income consumers.” The committee noted the bill removes the bill's earlier funding or regulatory triggers and instead directs reporting to the relevant office.
Committee member (speaker 3) explained the bill was largely gutted in amendment: “What it does is it says to the broadband providers, tell us what your definition is of low income and tell us what program you offer to them.” The member said removing the statewide definition reduced concerns raised by stakeholders.
Several members asked whether remaining concerns from industry groups (including MAKO and MML raised in subcommittee) had been resolved. Presenter (speaker 5) and Committee member (speaker 3) said negotiators removed the problematic definition and that the subcommittee had adopted the revised language; one member observed the industry still disliked the bill but was no longer worried it would jeopardize funding.
The committee voted to report the bill favorably as amended. The sponsor and members said the reporting requirement will allow the office to assess whether the available programs meet need and whether additional action is required.
Next steps: HB382 moves to the next house stage with a favorable report as amended.
