Bill Summary for H 476 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Mar 31 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 476 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 31, 2021
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STANLY COUNTY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR TWO DISTRICT COURT SEATS IN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 20A.
Intro. by Moss, Sasser, R. Smith, Penny.

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Bill summary

Titles the act as the "NC Broadband Consumer Protection Act." States legislative findings. 

Enacts GS 62-352, authorizing the Public Utilities Commission (Commission) to oversee broadband service, defines to mean mass-market retail service that provides the capability to transmit and receive data with transmission speeds at the FCC standard minimum for downloads and uploads. Directs the Commission to adopt rules and regulations to ensure (1) resiliency and reliability of broadband infrastructure, with broadband service providers required to submit reliability-related information, (2) consumer protection, public safety, and adequacy of broadband networks, with oversight over provider emergency preparedness and plan for post-emergency restoration including establishing minimum power backup requirements, and (3) receipt of broadband service provider reports on availability and buildout. Requires the Commission to conduct evaluations and audits of facilities and infrastructure used to provide broadband service, and evaluate their public safety, resiliency, and other relevant standards. Directs the Commission to annually report to the specified NCGA committee and division, beginning December 1, 2021, on outcomes related to achieving goals of resiliency, public safety, and quality of broadband service. 

Makes conforming repeal of GS 62-2(b1) which deems broadband service provided by public utilities to be sufficiently competitive, barring regulation by the Commission.