Resolve, Directing the Maine Connectivity Authority to Develop Recommendations to Transition Functions Performed by the ConnectMaine Authority to the Maine Connectivity Authority
Summary
LD1975 would repeal Maine’s Advanced Technology Infrastructure Act, the chapter of law that created the ConnectMaine Authority and related broadband policy and funding structures. The bill removes the statutory framework for the state broadband policy, the ConnectMaine Authority, the ConnectMaine Fund, and the Municipal Gigabit Broadband Network Access Fund, and it also updates or deletes numerous cross-references in other parts of Maine law that currently point to those repealed provisions.
In practical terms, the bill would reshape state law governing broadband and communications infrastructure by eliminating the existing ConnectMaine-based governance and funding mechanisms. It revises definitions and provisions tied to communications infrastructure, municipal broadband, joint-use access, permitting notices, and library hotspot support so that they no longer rely on the repealed authority or chapter. The bill is therefore a broad statutory cleanup and policy repeal affecting municipalities, communications service providers, broadband expansion projects, and any programs or rules that currently depend on ConnectMaine.
Impact
The bill would repeal Title 35-A, chapter 93, thereby removing the legal basis for the ConnectMaine Authority and associated broadband funds and policy directives. Because many other statutes reference the authority, the bill also amends or repeals those references to prevent conflicts and to align related provisions on municipal broadband, infrastructure access, permitting, and rural library internet access with the new legal landscape. The main affected parties are state broadband administrators, municipalities, broadband providers, and entities that use or benefit from state broadband grant and access programs.
Sentiment
The recorded votes suggest the bill was controversial and closely divided. One vote was essentially tied, indicating substantial disagreement, while a later vote to accept an amended report passed by a narrower but clear margin. That pattern suggests the proposal had meaningful support but also significant opposition, likely reflecting differing views on whether the ConnectMaine framework should be eliminated or retained in some form.
Contention
The central point of contention is the elimination of the ConnectMaine Authority and the state’s broadband policy and funding tools. Supporters appear to favor repealing the existing structure and removing what they view as outdated or duplicative statutory provisions, while opponents likely object to dismantling a statewide broadband authority and the funds and programs tied to it. The bill’s broad reach into municipal broadband, infrastructure access, and rural connectivity programs also makes it contentious for local governments, broadband advocates, and stakeholders concerned about continuity of broadband expansion efforts.