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SB 3613

RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOY STUDY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Rachel Ventura

The bill creates a formal study to assess rural Illinois broadband gaps, barriers, and needs and to issue actionable recommendations to expand high-speed internet access.

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Bill Summary · SB 3613

Summary of SB 3613 (Session 104th, Illinois) — RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOY STUDY

Purpose and intent

  • The bill establishes a formal study focused on broadband deployment in rural areas of Illinois.
  • Its overarching goal is to assess current connectivity gaps, identify barriers to expansion, and recommend actionable steps to improve high-speed internet access for residents, schools, farms, and businesses in rural communities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of a study: Institutes a structured review led by a designated state entity (often a state agency or commission with broadband/telecommunications responsibilities) to evaluate rural broadband availability and infrastructure needs.
  • Assessment areas may include:
    • Current broadband coverage and speeds in rural counties and municipalities.
    • Gaps in service reliability, latency, and affordability.
    • Availability and utilization of existing federal, state, and philanthropic funding.
    • Barriers to deployment such as right-of-way, permitting, cost of capital, permitting timelines, and access to poles and conduit.
    • Potential role of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, including rural cooperatives, publicly owned networks, and private providers.
  • Recommendations: The study is expected to produce policy or programmatic recommendations to expand access, which could cover funding strategies, regulatory changes, partnerships, and incentive mechanisms to accelerate deployment.
  • Reporting timeline: The bill outlines a deadline or schedule for completion of the study, and likely requires a final report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the legislature by a specified date.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Provisions may call for consultation with key stakeholders such as broadband providers, local governments, school districts, libraries, agricultural interests, and broadband users in rural areas.
  • Interim updates: There may be requirements for interim updates or status reports to lawmakers during the study period.

Who is affected

  • Rural residents and households currently lacking adequate broadband service.
  • Public schools, libraries, and other community anchor institutions in rural areas, which rely on reliable internet for education and services.
  • Local governments and rural municipalities evaluating infrastructure needs and funding.
  • Broadband providers (both incumbent and new entrants) who operate or plan to operate in rural markets.
  • State agencies responsible for broadband planning, economic development, and infrastructure policy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill designates a formal process to conduct the study, with a defined start point and a specific completion date for the final report.
  • It may require periodic updates to the Legislature and a comprehensive final report outlining findings and recommended actions.
  • The bill may establish or designate funding sources or budgetary authorization needed to conduct the study, though exact financial authorizations are not specified in the summary outline.

Potential impact

  • By identifying gaps and barriers, the study could lay groundwork for targeted investments and policy reforms to close rural broadband gaps.
  • The resulting recommendations could influence future state funding allocations, regulatory approaches, and partnership opportunities that accelerate rural deployment.
  • Improved broadband access in rural Illinois could enhance education, healthcare (telemedicine), economic development, and overall quality of life.

Note: This summary focuses on the typical scope and elements of a rural broadband deploy study bill. For precise language, sections, and deadlines, consult the bill text and fiscal notes from the 104th Illinois General Assembly.

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

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