RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT, AND INVESTMENT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND BROADBAND OVERSIGHT AND, ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026
S2345 creates the “Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026” and is aimed at giving the state a clearer role in monitoring broadband service. The bill updates the findings in the existing Broadband Deployment and Investment Act to state that broadband is essential infrastructure and that Rhode Island needs ongoing oversight, mapping, performance monitoring, and public reporting to manage federal broadband funds and improve service quality. It also clarifies definitions for broadband, internet, VoIP, and IP-enabled services.
The bill removes the existing statutory barrier that had broadly prohibited state and local regulation of VoIP and IP-enabled services, while expressly stating that the change does not itself create new regulatory authority over broadband or internet services. Instead, it preserves legislative authority to enact oversight, reporting, planning, and performance-monitoring laws. The measure also directs the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to develop, within one year, a detailed plan for creating a broadband oversight authority or similar structure, including recommendations on mission, staffing, collaboration, funding, and implementation timeline.
If enacted, the bill would amend Chapter 39-28 of the General Laws by repealing language that prevented state and local bodies from regulating the entry, rates, terms, or conditions of VoIP and IP-enabled services. It would also add a new section to Chapter 42-64 requiring the Commerce Corporation to produce a broadband oversight planning report and potentially lay the groundwork for a broadband office or authority. The practical effect would be to open the door for future state broadband oversight, planning, and accountability measures, especially in connection with federal broadband funding and deployment goals.
The bill appears to have a generally favorable policy rationale in the text, emphasizing broadband as essential infrastructure and the need for accountability, transparency, and equitable access. However, the only recorded committee action shows the Senate Commerce Committee voted 7-0 to hold the bill for further study, suggesting support for the issue but a desire for more review before advancing it. No opposing testimony or floor votes are provided in the materials.
The main point of contention is the bill’s removal of long-standing statutory limits on state and local regulation of VoIP and IP-enabled services. Supporters are likely focused on enabling broadband oversight, performance monitoring, and better use of federal funds, while any concerns would center on whether repealing those limits could create uncertainty for broadband and internet service providers or invite broader regulation in the future. The bill tries to address that concern by stating it does not itself grant new regulatory authority, but the scope of future oversight remains the key issue.