Technology (Broadband Access)

SB 80 establishes Louisiana's Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity as the sole authority to oversee and enforce compliance for state-funded broadband programs like GUMBO 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0. It requires broadband providers receiving state funds to meet specific deployment milestones (e.g., 10%, 35%, 60%, 85%, and 100% coverage) before receiving payments, with final disbursements contingent on verified completion. The bill also creates a formal process for residents and municipalities to file complaints about service issues like slow speeds, pricing, or coverage gaps, and authorizes the office to impose penalties for noncompliance. These provisions directly affect broadband grantees, providers using state funds, and residents in areas covered by Louisiana's broadband initiatives.

HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, requires internet and cable providers in Louisiana to give residential customers 30 days' written notice before raising prices for broadband or cable services. The notice must itemize all new charges, state the effective date and reason for the increase, and inform customers they can cancel without early fees if they act within 30 days of receiving the notice. Providers must deliver notices via the customer’s preferred billing channel (email, text, or mail) and keep records for two years. The law does not regulate prices but treats violations as unfair trade practices, allowing enforcement through Louisiana’s consumer protection laws. It takes effect January 1, 2027, applying only to price increases first notified after that date.

HB 617 requires businesses to clearly display the total price - including all mandatory fees or surcharges - before a consumer makes a purchase or booking. It directly affects all businesses selling goods or services to consumers, including restaurants, ride-share apps, and online platforms. Key provisions mandate that businesses disclose factors determining final prices (like distance or time), mandatory fees, and that costs may vary, all in clear, conspicuous language at the point of sale or advertising. Exemptions include businesses already complying with federal rules for broadband, cable, satellite, and live-event ticket pricing. The bill does not ban fees but ensures consumers see the full cost upfront, avoiding hidden charges.

SB 209 amends Louisiana's telecommunications laws to clarify how local governments can provide broadband and telecommunications services. It explicitly allows local governments to bundle services and engage in business practices similar to private competitors (§844.42(7)-(8)), while prohibiting cross-subsidization from tax dollars or other services (§844.53(2)(a)). The bill requires that bonds for broadband projects be repaid solely from service revenues (§844.52(C)), not general funds, and permits projects funded by federal programs like BEAD to proceed without restrictions. This primarily affects Louisiana parishes and cities seeking to expand broadband access, especially in unserved areas, by enabling competitive local government-led initiatives under defined financial and operational rules.

HB 259 requires excavators or demolishers using federal BEAD Program funding (for broadband infrastructure) to provide one week's notice before work begins. If they damage underground utility infrastructure, they must immediately stop further damage, notify affected parties, and cover all repair costs. The bill also states that such entities cannot receive final reimbursement from Louisiana's broadband office until they fix any damage. This applies specifically to projects funded by the BEAD Program, not general construction activities.