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2021 Special Session I

Budget Amendments - HB1800 (Conference Report)

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Develop Digital Equity Pilot Program (language only)

Item 359 #2c

Item 359 #2c

Health and Human Resources
Department of Social Services

Language

Page 440, after line 43, insert:

"K. The Department of Social Services shall design, for consideration by the 2022 General Assembly, a program that provides a fixed reimbursement, which shall not exceed $15 monthly, for broadband service costs for select households currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The reimbursement payments under the program shall be structured as a direct payment to a broadband provider selected by the qualifying program participant household, provided that the selected broadband provider offers a low-cost broadband service for low-income households within its service area in the Commonwealth.  The department shall develop program guidelines in coordination with the Commonwealth Broadband Chief Advisor to govern eligibility for participation in the program and disbursement of program funds.  The department shall report on the program design and structure, administrative cost estimates, program guidelines, and other relevant information related to implementing the program to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by November 1, 2021."



Explanation

(This amendment directs the Department of Social Services to design a program to increase the number of low-income Virginians with access to reliable and affordable access to broadband. The department shall report on the design of such a program by November 1, 2021, for consideration by the 2022 General Assembly.)