Technology (Broadband Access)

This legislative resolution directs the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to conduct an interim study on wireless connectivity issues in Nebraska. The study will examine policies related to fees and costs that wireless providers face when seeking permits to install infrastructure in municipalities and other jurisdictions. The resolution specifically looks at how high permit fees, consultant charges, and upfront retainer requirements may impact the deployment of wireless networks needed to meet growing public demand for mobile data services. The committee will review practices used by other states and federal regulations to gather findings and recommendations for potential future legislation. This action is intended to inform future policy decisions rather than immediately changing existing laws.

This bill appropriates $10 million from Nebraska's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the Public Service Commission specifically for the Broadband Bridge Program (Program 793). It directly affects the Public Service Commission, which will use these funds to continue implementing the program aimed at expanding broadband access. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, focused solely on providing resources for existing broadband infrastructure efforts.

This bill expands protections under Nebraska's One-Call Notification System Act by broadening the definition of unlawful interference to include disruptions to telecommunications, broadband, communications, and power transmission infrastructure. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage or interfere with utility poles, cables, or transmission systems. The key change replaces the original language to explicitly cover these infrastructure types, making it a violation to disrupt such services. Penalties for violations will now follow the existing provisions in section 28-519 of Nebraska law. The bill does not create new penalties but updates the scope of existing protections.

LB 176 requires counties, cities, and villages to adopt a resolution supporting broadband projects before applicants can receive state grants under the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act. This resolution must include a project map, confirmation of permit applications, and a project timeline. The bill directly affects broadband providers, cooperatives, and tribal applicants seeking state funding for projects in specific areas. It adds this local government approval step to the existing grant application process, ensuring community buy-in before funding is awarded.

LB 666 amends Nebraska law to change how the Public Service Commission handles broadband deployment projects under the Rural Communications Sustainability Act. It requires the Commission to relieve incumbent telephone carriers of certain obligations (like "carrier of last resort" duties) when a competing broadband provider meets program requirements. The bill also gives the Commission authority to decide how universal service funds are allocated and whether carrier obligations should transfer to the competing provider. This directly affects rural broadband providers, incumbent carriers, and the Public Service Commission in managing Nebraska's broadband funding programs.