March 6, 2024 - Introduced by Senators Smith, Agard, L. Johnson, Larson and Spreitzer, cosponsored by Representatives Shankland, Ratcliff, Bare, Emerson, Joers, Moore Omokunde, Sinicki and Stubbs. Referred to Committee on Utilities and Technology.
SB1084,,22An Act to renumber 196.504 (1) (ad) and 196.504 (1) (ae); and to create 196.504 (1) (af) and 196.504 (2) (c) 1. i. of the statutes; relating to: prioritizing certain farm projects under the broadband expansion grant program. SB1084,,33Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau Under current law, the Public Service Commission makes grants to eligible applicants for the purpose of constructing broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. In making the grants, current law requires PSC to give priority to projects that satisfy various requirements. This bill requires PSC to also give priority to projects that expand fiber optic broadband lines to farms. The bill defines “farm” as land primarily devoted to agricultural uses related to crop and animal production that are referenced in a rule promulgated by the Department of Revenue.
SB1084,,44The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: SB1084,15Section 1. 196.504 (1) (ad) of the statutes is renumbered 196.504 (1) (ah). SB1084,26Section 2. 196.504 (1) (ae) of the statutes is renumbered 196.504 (1) (ak). SB1084,37Section 3. 196.504 (1) (af) of the statutes is created to read: SB1084,,88196.504 (1) (af) “Farm” means land primarily devoted to an agricultural use, as defined in s. Tax 18.05 (1) (a) or (b), Wis. Adm. Code. SB1084,49Section 4. 196.504 (2) (c) 1. i. of the statutes is created to read: SB1084,,1010196.504 (2) (c) 1. i. Projects that expand fiber optic broadband lines to farms.
