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• Introduced by Rep. Zack Hudgins, (D-Tukwila) (D) on January 27, 2009, to provide authority to the department of information systems to participate in high-speed internet activities, including the accepting of gifts and grants for high-speed adoption efforts, gather and map information related to access and create a consumer website. The bill also designate the department as the eligible entity under the broadband data improvement act.
  • Referred to the House Technology, Energy, and Communications Committee on January 27, 2009.
    • Substitute offered in the House on February 12, 2009, to remove the provision designating DIS as the eligible entity for purposes of the federal Broadband Data Improvement Act and the repeal of RCW 43.105.350. Instead of repealing RCW 43.105.350, this section is amended to allow the DIS to accept high-speed internet infrastructure information from telecommunications or highspeed internet service providers if it is voluntarily provided. The substitute passed in the House by voice vote on February 12, 2009.
    • Referred to the House Ways & Means Committee on February 16, 2009.
      • Substitute offered in the House on March 2, 2009, to authorize, rather than requires, the Department of Information Systems (DIS) to conduct a survey of high-speed Internet infrastructure owned or leased by state agencies and create a geographic information system map, and designates the DIS as an eligible entity for the Broadband Data Improvement Act. The substitute passed in the House by voice vote on March 2, 2009.
  • Referred to the House Rules Committee on March 2, 2009.
    • Amendment offered by Rep. Zack Hudgins, (D-Tukwila) (D) on March 9, 2009, to strike the provisions of the underlying bill. Designates the department of information services (DIS) as an eligible entity for purposes of the federal broadband data improvement act. Provides that the DIS may accept federal funding for broadband. Specifies that the DIS must implement a high-speed internet strategy on behalf of the state, subject to available state or federal funding. Authorizes the DIS to: Develop an interactive web site regarding high-speed internet availability; solicit grants and gifts for high-speed internet; and survey high-speed internet infrastructure owned or leased by state agencies and develop a geographic information system (GIS) map. Authorizes the DIS to procure a GIS map, either by purchasing a completed map from a third party or by working directly with the federal communications commission to accept publicly available highspeed internet data. Modifies a restriction in existing law that prevents the DIS and other state agencies from collecting high-speed internet information from providers. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on March 9, 2009.
• Passed in the House (93 to 2) on March 9, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the Senate on March 11, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Economic Developement, Trade & Innovation Committee on March 11, 2009.
    • Amendment offered in the Senate on March 30, 2009, to provide greater detail than the engrossed second substitute bill regarding broadband mapping, deployment and adoption strategies. It establishes the Broadband Mapping Account and amends the uses to which the Washington Community Technology Opportunity Account can be put. In addition, the amendment provides that the Community Technology Opportunity program is to be administered by the Department of Information Services. The amendment failed in the Senate by voice vote on March 30, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on March 30, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on April 6, 2009.
    • Amendment offered in the Senate on April 16, 2009, to remove the provisions for a Business & Occupation tax credit for firms that contribute to the Washington Community Technology Opportunity Account (WCTOA). Removes the provisions for deposit into the WCTOA of leasehold excise taxes paid by telecommunications firms. Makes technical corrections to references to federal laws and to clarify that the Broadband Mapping Account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer rather than in the state treasury. Adds a null and void clause. The amendment passed in the Senate by voice vote on April 16, 2009.
• Passed in the Senate (45 to 0) on April 16, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the House on April 25, 2009, House agrees to Senate amendments.
• Passed in the House (96 to 0) on April 25, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on May 15, 2009, authorizes the Governor to take steps to carry out the purposes of the broadband provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Designates the DIS as the eligible entity for purposes of the federal Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). Authorizes the Department of Information Services (DIS) to oversee broadband deployment and adoption programs for the state. Transfers the Community Technology Opportunity Program from Washington State University to the DIS.