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Bill

HB 5634

To create the Last-Mile Broadband for Coalfield Counties Act.

2026 Regular Session

Creates a state program to fund and coordinate last-mile broadband deployment in coalfield counties to expand high-speed internet access.

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Bill Summary · HB 5634

Summary of HB 5634 (2026) — West Virginia

Title

To create the Last-Mile Broadband for Coalfield Counties Act.

Purpose and Intent

HB 5634 establishes a state framework to expand last-mile broadband internet access in coalfield counties. The bill aims to extend high-speed internet service to unserved or underserved areas by authorizing a dedicated program, funding mechanisms, and project coordination to deploy last-mile broadband infrastructure (i.e., the final network segment from an incumbent provider’s backhaul to individual homes or businesses).

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Program Establishment
    • Creates the Last-Mile Broadband for Coalfield Counties program within a state agency (or designated administering body) to oversee planning, funding, and administration of last-mile broadband projects in targeted counties.
  • Funding and Financing
    • Authorizes state funds, grants, low-interest loans, or loans backed by state backing or revolving funds to support project deployment.
    • Possible layering of federal funds (e.g., broadband/spectrum rural development programs) and private matching funds, subject to program rules.
    • Allocates or directs a dedicated appropriation for eligible projects in coalfield counties.
  • Eligibility Criteria
    • Target counties: specifically coalfield counties within the state facing high unserved/und served rates for broadband.
    • Projects must demonstrate feasibility, affordability, and potential impact on households, schools, healthcare, and economic development.
  • Infrastructure and Technology Standards
    • Sets minimum service benchmarks (e.g., targeted Mbps/Gbps speeds for download/upload, latency standards) to qualify for funding.
    • Encourages use of scalable, future-proof technologies (e.g., fiber-to-the-premises or next-generation wireless where appropriate).
  • Provider Participation and Requirements
    • Requires collaboration with local governments, existing providers, and communities.
    • May include requirements for local workforce hiring, minority/small business participation, or community benefit obligations.
  • Consumer Protections and Affordability
    • Provisions to protect consumers from surprise charges, ensure affordable service options, and provide pricing transparency.
  • Planning, Governance, and Accountability
    • Creates governance bodies (e.g., a oversight board or advisory council) to supervise program implementation, grant decisions, and performance metrics.
    • Establishes reporting requirements, performance metrics, annual or periodic program reviews, and potential auditing provisions.
  • Sunset or Renewal Provisions
    • Specifies the duration of the program, with sunset or renewal terms contingent on funding availability, performance outcomes, and legislative action.
  • Coordination with Education and Emergency Services
    • Emphasis on K-12 school connectivity, telehealth, and emergency communications to enhance critical public services in coalfield communities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Residents and Businesses in Coalfield Counties
    • Improved access to reliable broadband, with potential for more remote work, online education, and healthcare services.
  • Local Governments
    • Roles in coordinating siting, permitting, and facilitating partnerships with providers.
  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Contractors
    • Potential participation in funded projects, adherence to program standards, reporting, and workforce requirements.
  • State Agencies and Oversight Bodies
    • Responsible for administering funding, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring compliance with program rules.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Implementation Timeline
    • Likely phases: program establishment, funding rounds, project selection, construction, and post-deployment evaluation. Specific dates would be set by appropriation acts and annual budget cycles.
  • Funding Cycles
    • Grants/loans distributed across fiscal years, with annual reporting on progress and outcomes.
  • Reporting and Evaluation
    • Regular reporting to the legislature on project progress, service deployment, subscriber counts, and performance against targets.
  • Accountability
    • Audits and compliance checks to ensure funds are used as intended and projects meet service benchmarks.

Potential Impact

  • Narrowing of the digital divide in targeted coalfield areas by delivering high-speed broadband to residences, schools, and clinics.
  • Enhanced economic development opportunities, improved remote learning, and expanded telehealth capabilities.
  • Increased coordination between state and local entities to accelerate infrastructure deployment in rural, underserved regions.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and typical provisions for a program of this nature. For precise language, definitions, funding levels, specific eligibility criteria, and enacted timelines, consult the official bill text and fiscal notes from the West Virginia Legislature.

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

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