Governor Signs Broadband Forward Legislation

MADISON— State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) announced that Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill (AB) 820 / Senate Bill (SB) 699, also known as Broadband Forward legislation, to become Act 278 today. Sen. Marklein authored the Senate version of the bill.

Act 278 creates Broadband Forward certification for municipalities that plan to seek broadband installation and grant funding in the future. It is a package of model ordinances that a community may adopt to prepare for working with telecommunications companies to expand broadband. This bill also directs the Public Service Commission to focus broadband expansion on priority needs and projects with economic development and community advancement elements.

“Broadband access is a huge issue in the communities of southwest Wisconsin,” Marklein said. “This bill is one way a community can actively take steps forward to increase access and meet the technological needs of the people who live and work in their area.”

Act 278 was signed into law at Wisconsin Independent Network in Eau Claire today, Thursday, March 24, 2016.