BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1299 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 24, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 1299 (Bradford) - As Amended: April 25, 2013 Policy Committee: Environmental Safety Vote: 13-1 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill requires the PUC to fund grants for the deployment and adoption of broadband service in publicly supported housing communities from the California Advanced Services Program (CASF). FISCAL EFFECT 1)Redirects up to $25 million (special fund) for the new grant program. 2)Increased administrative costs to the PUC of approximately $150,000. COMMENTS 1)Rationale. According to the author, access to broadband internet technology affords citizens with the opportunity to communicate with family and friends, conduct personal and business activities, achieve academic success, research employment offerings, and access community resources. Many students in California's schools are not learning the necessary technical skills and are at greater risk of falling behind in academic achievement. While few suggest the Digital Divide is the primary cause of the educational achievement gap, a growing body of evidence suggests that digital inequalities can evolve into future disparities in academic achievement and career success. This bill prioritizes funding for broadband technology in AB 1299 Page 2 publicly subsidized affordable housing developments 2)Background. The CASF, administered by the PUC, provides funding to encourage deployment of high-quality advanced communications services to all Californians. The program is designed to promote economic growth, job creation, and substantial social benefits of advanced information and communications technologies. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081