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Bill

HB 2016

Concerning an additive capital budget for state matching funds and federal expenditure authority for broadband.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Parshley and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2016 authorizes Washington State capital funds for broadband infrastructure and federal grant matching to expand internet access statewide.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 2016

Legislative bill overview

HB 2016 authorizes additional state capital budget funds for broadband infrastructure projects and establishes spending authority for federal broadband grant programs. The bill enables Washington State to match federal broadband funding and deploy the state's own resources to expand internet access across the state.

Why is this important

Broadband access directly affects economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and business competitiveness, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This additive capital budget provides the matching funds necessary to leverage federal broadband dollars that might otherwise go unused due to the state's inability to fund its local match requirement.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill summary doesn't specify total dollar amounts, making it difficult to assess the true state fiscal commitment and competing budget priorities
  • Federal dependency: Reliance on federal grants creates uncertainty—if federal funds dry up, the state may be locked into ongoing broadband maintenance obligations
  • Project prioritization ambiguous: The bill doesn't specify how funds will be allocated geographically or which underserved areas receive priority, raising equity concerns about who benefits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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