Rural Connectivity & Innovation Act

The Rural Connectivity and Innovation Act establishes a state-funded grant program to expand high-speed broadband access in underserved farming communities. It prioritizes public-private partnerships and offers tax credits to help farmers adopt broadband-enabled technologies. With strong accountability measures and a funding cap, the Act promotes rural economic development and agricultural innovation while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Key Provisions

  • Grant Program for Broadband Access: Provides state-funded grants to expand high-speed broadband in underserved farming communities, prioritizing public-private partnerships.

  • Tax Incentives for Farmers: Offers up to $10,000 in annual state tax credits for farmers adopting broadband-enabled technologies like precision farming and smart irrigation.

  • Accountability and Oversight: Requires grant recipients to submit progress reports and undergo state performance audits to ensure effective use of funds.

  • Public Awareness and Training: Includes outreach campaigns and technical training programs to support rural communities and farmers in leveraging broadband-enabled technologies.

  • Funding Cap and Sunset Clause: Caps program funding at $50 million annually and includes a sunset provision expiring on December 31, 2030, unless renewed.

Model Language

Section 1: Short Title: This Act shall be known as the “Rural Connectivity Innovation Act.”

Section 2: Findings and Declarations

  1. High-speed broadband is essential for modern agricultural operations and rural economic development.

  2. Underserved farming communities face significant challenges due to limited access to broadband.

  3. Public-private partnerships and targeted incentives can drive innovation and improve connectivity in rural areas.

Section 3: Definitions

  1. Underserved Farming Communities: Rural areas with limited or no access to high-speed broadband, as defined by the state telecommunications agency.

  2. Broadband-Enabled Technologies: Digital tools and systems used in agriculture, including precision farming, smart irrigation, and automated machinery.

  3. Eligible Applicants: Public-private partnerships, local governments, and cooperative organizations proposing broadband infrastructure projects.

Section 4: State-Funded Grant Program

  1. Grant Purpose: To fund broadband infrastructure projects in underserved farming communities.

  2. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved areas and outline a plan for maintaining infrastructure. Priority will be given to public-private partnerships and cooperative models.

  3. Funding Cap: The total program funding shall not exceed [$50 million] annually.

Section 5: Tax Incentives for Agricultural Innovation

  1. Eligibility for Tax Credits: Farmers adopting broadband-enabled technologies are eligible for state tax credits of up to [$10,000] annually.

  2. Qualifying Expenses: Eligible expenses include the purchase, installation, and maintenance of broadband-enabled agricultural equipment.

Section 6: Accountability Measures

  1. Grant Reporting Requirements: Recipients must submit annual progress reports detailing project milestones, expenditure, and broadband access improvements.

  2. Performance Audits: The state telecommunications agency shall conduct performance audits to ensure funds are used effectively and equitably.

Section 7: Public Awareness and Training

  1. Outreach Campaigns: The state shall conduct public awareness campaigns to inform rural communities about grant opportunities and tax incentives.

  2. Training Programs: Technical training programs will be offered to help farmers adopt and utilize broadband-enabled technologies.

Section 8: Sunset Provision: This Act shall remain in effect until [December 31, 2030], unless extended or amended by the legislature.

Section 9: Severability: If any provision of this Act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

Download Model Bill Language