43.105.400 - Advisory council on digital inclusion -- Annual report. - Washington Statutes

Advisory council on digital inclusion — Annual report.

(1) Subject to the availability of federal or state funding, the department may reconvene the high-speed internet work group previously established by chapter 262, Laws of 2008. The work group is renamed the advisory council on digital inclusion, and is an advisory group to the department. The council must include, but is not limited to, volunteer representatives from community technology organizations, telecommunications providers, higher education institutions, K-12 education institutions, public health institutions, public housing entities, and local government and other governmental entities that are engaged in community technology activities.

     (2) The council shall prepare a report by January 15th of each year and submit it to the department, the governor, and the appropriate committees of the legislature. The report must contain:    

     (a) An analysis of how support from public and private sector partnerships, the philanthropic community, and other not-for-profit organizations in the community, along with strong relationships with the state board for community and technical colleges, the higher education coordinating board, and higher education institutions, could establish a variety of high-speed internet access alternatives for citizens;

     (b) Proposed strategies for continued broadband deployment and adoption efforts, as well as further development of advanced telecommunications applications;

     (c) Recommendations on methods for maximizing the state's research and development capacity at universities and in the private sector for developing advanced telecommunications applications and services, and recommendations on incentives to stimulate the demand for and development of these applications and services;

     (d) An identification of barriers that hinder the advancement of technology entrepreneurship in the state; and

     (e) An evaluation of programs designed to advance digital literacy and computer access that are made available by the federal government, local agencies, telecommunications providers, and business and charitable entities.

[2009 c 509 § 10.]

Notes: Findings -- Intent -- Purpose -- Effective date -- 2009 c 509: See notes following RCW 43.105.370.