Summary

Kansas HB 2201 (Open States or Kansas Legislature) establishes the telecommunications study committee, which will study the creation of a state broadband fund to support the availability of advanced telecommunications capability throughout the state. It also authorizes the Board of Regents to fix, charge, and collect user fees for services provided by the Kan-ed program in accordance with a plan developed by the Board.

Legislative Analysis

HB 2201 establishes the telecommunications study committee, which will study, along with other issues, the creation of a state broadband fund to support the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability to all areas of the state. In this context, “broadband’’ means the transmission of digital signals at rates equal to or greater than 1.5 megabits per second.

The legislation also makes changes to the Kan-ed program. The KAN-ED Act of 2001 charged the Kansas Board of Regents with creating a broadband technology-based network to which schools, libraries, and hospitals could connect for broadband internet access and intranet access for distance learning. The Board was responsible for contracting for the creation, operation, and maintenance of the Kan-ed network, as well as for creating a plan to ensure that schools, libraries, and hospitals had quality, affordable access to the Internet and distance learning.

In 2012, the Legislature enacted House Bill 2390, requiring schools, libraries, and hospitals that have a direct, state-subsidized Kan-ed connection to transition to a commercially provided broadband internet connection.

The purpose of the Kan-ed program now is to facilitate the use of broadband technology based video communication for distance learning and telemedicine by schools, libraries, and hospitals.  Kan-ed also assists schools, libraries, and hospitals in applying for federal grants related to the use of video communication for distance learning and telemedicine.

HB 2201 gives the Board of Regents the authority to fix, charge, and collect fees for the services provided by Kan-ed in order to fulfill the above purposes, beginning July 1, 2013.  Approximately 900  schools, libraries, and hospitals meet the statutory definition of being members of the Kan-ed program.

This legislation promotes digital learning by recognizing the importance of widespread access to high-quality, affordable internet and technology services, and exploring the possibility of creating a state broadband fund to help achieve this access. Through the Kan-ed program, it also provides support for schools and libraries in using video communication for distance learning and applying for related federal grants.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States 

Approved by Governor Sam Brownback on 4/17/2013