Establishes a statewide broadband community outreach coordinator to assist state residents interested in learning more and/or applying for, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.

# Summary of Rhode Island Broadband Outreach Coordinator Bill

This bill would create a new state position called a "statewide broadband community outreach coordinator." The main job of this coordinator would be to help Rhode Island residents learn about and apply for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is a federal program designed to help lower-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.

The coordinator would serve as a resource for people across the state who may not know about the federal internet discount program or who need help navigating the application process. This role would be focused on community outreach — essentially going out into communities to spread the word and provide hands-on assistance to residents who could benefit from more affordable internet access.

This bill would primarily affect Rhode Island residents who struggle to afford home internet service, including low-income families, seniors, and others who might qualify for federal internet subsidies but haven't signed up. It's worth noting that the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ran out of funding in mid-2024, so the practical impact of this bill could depend on whether Congress restores or replaces that program. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the Innovation, Internet, & Technology Committee, where it has been recommended for further study.