Relates to requiring a digital equity officer be appointed by the director of the office of information technology services to develop, oversee and assist in providing statewide broadband access.
Summary
S02180 would amend the state technology law to require the director of the Office of Information Technology Services to appoint a digital equity officer. That officer would be responsible for developing, overseeing, and assisting with statewide broadband access efforts, with an express focus on rural and residential areas, public schools, and small and medium-sized businesses. The bill also directs the officer to work with the Department of Education on providing computers, laptops, or tablets to eligible public school students.
The measure is aimed at expanding digital access and narrowing the digital divide by creating a dedicated state-level role for broadband and device access coordination. It would also authorize the director to draw on staff, information, and resources from other state agencies, political subdivisions, and public authorities to carry out these duties. The bill would take effect 90 days after becoming law.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend section 102 of the state technology law to create a new statutory duty for the director of the Office of Information Technology Services to appoint a digital equity officer. It would formalize state responsibility for broadband access coordination and student device access, and it would expand interagency cooperation authority to support those functions. The bill would affect state technology policy, education-related digital access efforts, and potentially broadband deployment and device distribution programs for low-income students and underserved communities.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed positively as a digital equity and broadband access initiative. Its stated goals suggest support for expanding access to internet service and devices for underserved populations, including rural residents and students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. No opposing viewpoints are documented in the provided record.
Contention
The main policy questions likely raised by the bill concern implementation: how the digital equity officer would coordinate across agencies, how broadband access priorities would be set, and how student device distribution would be administered and funded. Potential points of contention could include the scope of the new office’s authority, the costs of broadband and device programs, and whether the state should create a dedicated officer versus using existing agencies and programs. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided transcripts or voting history.
Relates to requiring a digital equity officer be appointed by the director of the office of information technology services to develop, oversee and assist in providing statewide broadband access.
Office of Broadband Development renamed the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity authorization; office duties and reporting requirements modification; state's broadband goals expansion; multifamily dwelling grant program establishment; definitions for the purpose of broadband development modification
Office of Broadband Development renamed to Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, duties and reporting requirements modified, state's broadband goals expanded, multifamily dwelling grant program established, and definitions amended.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.