Section 6.5-101 – Definitions [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    “Director” means the Director of the Office of Statewide Broadband.     (c)    “Office” means the Office of Statewide Broadband.

Section 6.5-102 – Establishment and Purpose of Office of Statewide Broadband [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    There is an Office of Statewide Broadband in the Department.     (b)    The purpose of the Office is to ensure that every resident of the State:         (1)    is supported in the adoption of reliable, universal, high–quality broadband Internet service at an affordable price; and         (2)    has the tools necessary to use the Internet and take advantage of Internet resources.

Section 6.5-103 – Director of Office — Appointment — Harmonize the Efforts of Office [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    The Governor shall appoint the Director of the Office.     (b)    The Director:         (1)    serves at the pleasure of the Governor; and         (2)    reports to both the Secretary and the Governor.     (c)    The Director shall work closely with the Secretary of Commerce and the State Superintendent of Schools to harmonize the efforts of the Office with the economic development aspects […]

Section 6.5-104 – Duties of Office — Partnerships With Local Entities — Statewide Plan to Ensure Reliable Broadband Internet — Quarterly Meetings — Annual Reports [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    The Office shall:         (1)    develop definitions and standards for broadband Internet that:             (i)    address current and future requirements and uses by communities, businesses, schools, health care providers, and other stakeholders;             (ii)    reflect the need for a forward–looking, statewide digital communications infrastructure; and             (iii)    are not at odds with definitions and standards adopted by the Federal Communications Commission;         (2)    (i)    collect promotional […]

Section 6.5-105 – Digital Inclusion Fund — Purpose — Administration — Nonlapsing Special Fund — Items Included — Uses of Fund [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Digital Inclusion Fund.     (b)    There is a Digital Inclusion Fund.     (c)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide a competitive grant program to support capacity building for local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking to close the digital divide in Maryland by furthering access to high–speed Internet and to implement programs […]

Section 6.5-106 – Digital Connectivity Fund — Purpose — Administration — Nonlapsing Special Fund — Items Included — Uses of Fund [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Digital Connectivity Fund.     (b)    There is a Digital Connectivity Fund.     (c)    The purpose of the Fund is to assist in the establishment and expansion of affordable broadband communication services in disconnected areas and communities in the State.     (d)    (1)    The Office shall administer the Fund.         (2)    The Office shall adopt application procedures for grants […]

Section 6.5-107 – Established [Title Subject to Abrogation]

    (a)    There is a Rural Broadband Assistance Fund in the Department.     (b)    The purpose of the Fund is to assist in the establishment of broadband communication services in rural and underserved areas of the State.     (c)    The Office shall administer the Fund.     (d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the […]

Section 6.5-108 – Extending Broadband Access — Adoption of Locally Appropriate Policies

    (a)    This section does not apply to a county or municipal corporation within the Washington Suburban Sanitary District.     (b)    A county or municipal corporation may adopt, by ordinance or resolution, locally appropriate policies to advance progress of infrastructure, equipment, and systems needed to extend broadband access to underserved areas, including:         (1)    expedited consideration of locally imposed permits or […]