H.B.
72
127th General Assembly
(As Introduced)
Reps. Evans, Hite, Garrison, J. Stewart,
Combs, Daniels, J. McGregor, Dodd, Stebelton, Chandler, Sayre,
Fessler, Skindell, Fende, Webster
BILL SUMMARY
· Creates the 19-member Ohio Broadband and Wireless Telecommunications Task Force to study, make recommendations, and report on the availability and economic impact of broadband and wireless telecommunications in Ohio counties.
CONTENT AND OPERATION
The bill creates the 19-member Ohio Broadband and Wireless Telecommunications Task Force.
The Task Force is required to examine and make recommendations on the availability of broadband and wireless telecommunications in Ohio, any economic impact that availability creates, the present and future availability of broadband and wireless telecommunications in all Ohio counties, and any other issues the Task Force considers appropriate. The Task Force must issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and Governor not later than one year after Task Force appointments have been made. The Task Force must cease to exist upon submitting its report.
Two Task Force members will be senators, appointed by the President of the Senate, each from a different political party, and two will be representatives, appointed by the Speaker, each from a different political party. Other state officials (or their designees) serving on the Task Force are the Directors of Development, Natural Resources, and Commerce, the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, and the Consumers' Counsel. Additionally serving will be one representative of the Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Township Association, and County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, each appointed by the respective organization. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, must appoint seven additional members, including one representative each of a wireless service provider, broadband service provider from the cable industry, broadband service provider from the telephone industry, and telecommunications tower company.
All appointments must be made within 90 days after the bill's effective date. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the initial appointments.
The bill provides that the Governor selects the Task Force Chairperson from among the members of the Task Force within 90 days after the bill's effective date. At the initial meeting of the Task Force, the Chairperson must establish a meeting schedule. The members receive no compensation for their services.
HISTORY
ACTION |
DATE |
|
|
Introduced |
02-27-07 |
h0072-i-127.doc/kl