§ 4-113-104 - Creation of the Arkansas Broadband Council. - Arkansas Statutes

4-113-104. Creation of the Arkansas Broadband Council.

(a) The Arkansas Broadband Council is created and shall:

(1) Monitor the broadband-based development efforts of other states and nations in areas such as business, education, and health;

(2) Receive input from all Arkansas broadband stakeholders and advise the Governor and the General Assembly on policies related to broadband in Arkansas;

(3) Serve as the broadband advocate to state agencies and other state entities to communicate the broadband needs of the citizens and organizations of the state that do not have access to broadband service or to broadband service adequate for their needs; and

(4) Have the authority to adopt by rule the minimum speed for the definition of "broadband" under 4-113-102(1) that is provided by the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

(b) The council shall include:

(1) One (1) representative from each broadband provider association that exists in the state on July 31, 2007, including without limitation the Arkansas Cable Telecommunications Association and the Arkansas Telecommunications Association;

(2) Three (3) members to be appointed by the Governor;

(3) Three (3) members to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(4) Three (3) members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(5) The President of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority or his or her designee who shall serve as an ex officio member of the council.

(c) The council shall:

(1) Provide an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly;

(2) Provide a final report to the Governor and the General Assembly through the year ending December 31, 2011; and

(3) Expire on June 30, 2012.