SB5357 – Appropriations for matching grants from the Federal broadband infrastructure program to increase broadband access in rural and distressed areas.
Prime Sponsor – Senator Honeyford (R; 15th District; Eastern Yakima County)
Current status – Dead
In the Senate – Passed
Referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means; had a hearing, February 11th; replaced by a substitute removing the specified appropriation and voted out of committee February 16th. Referred to Rules February 18th, amended on the floor and passed by the Senate March 5th.

In the House –
Referred to the House Committee on the Capital Budget. Had a hearing March 16th.
Next step would be – Action by the committee.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –
Senate Floor Amendment –
The amendment requires the Statewide Broadband Office to develop a process for evaluating projects that supports coordination with the Public Works Board and the Community Economic Revitalization Board to maximize opportunities to leverage federal funding and ensure efficient state investments in broadband infrastructure; however, those other agencies would no longer be part of spending the funds for administering the program.

Substitute –
The substitute removed the specified $200 million appropriation.

Original Bill –
The bill would establish a competitive grant program to increase broadband access in rural and distressed areas of the state, funding it from the state building construction account this biennium with as much of $200 million as was needed to provide the matching required for grants from the Federal broadband infrastructure program. (3% of the money could also be used for administrative expenses.) Grants would be open to a range of public and private entities.