AB 693: Broadband: state oversight.

The bill aims to promote ubiquitous and universal broadband deployment in California by creating a new department of broadband and digital equity. The department will oversee the state's broadband activities and establish rules or regulations for broadband internet access service and internet service providers. The department will also assume administrative functions of the California Advanced Services Fund and the Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund. The bill establishes a broadband and digital equity commission with specified membership, which will advise and assist the department in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for broadband and digital equity programs. The commission will also participate in relevant federal government rulemakings to advocate on behalf of the department and the state's interests. The bill requires the department to report to the legislature on th…