Relating to: broadband line extension grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

This bill establishes a new grant program to help residents of unserved areas pay for the costs of extending broadband service lines to their properties, with each grant capped at $4,000. It appropriates $1.75 million for 2025-26 and $3.5 million for 2026-27 to fund these grants through the Public Service Commission. The program prioritizes applications for primary residences and requires applicants to participate in federal affordable connectivity programs, while prohibiting grants that subsidize telecommunications provider expenses or customer monthly bills. Additionally, the bill amends existing broadband expansion grant criteria to ensure projects focus on designated unserved areas and require applicants to explain how their proposed projects will increase broadband access.