(1) The federal broadband account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from funds received from legislative appropriation or transfer, federal funding, and moneys directed to the account from any other lawful source, must be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for broadband activities authorized under federal law and for nonfederal match requirements.

(2) Federal funding received by the department from the broadband equity, access, and deployment state grants program in section 60102 of P.L. 117-58 (the infrastructure investment and jobs act) or a substantially similar successor federal program, must be deposited into the account for broadband activities and must be used in accordance with any federal requirements and, subject to those requirements, may be distributed by the department on a competitive basis to other entities in the state.

Effective dates—2025 c 399 ss 1-13, 15, and 17: See note following RCW 72.09.092.

Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

Findings—Intent—Purpose—2009 c 509: "(1) The legislature finds that the deployment and adoption of high-speed internet services and technology advancements enhance economic development and public safety for the state's communities. Such deployment also offers improved health care, access to consumer and legal services, increased educational and civic participation opportunities, and a better quality of life for the state's residents. The legislature further finds that improvements in the deployment and adoption of high-speed internet services and the strategic inclusion of technology advancements and technology education are critical to ensuring that Washington remains competitive and continues to provide a skilled workforce, attract businesses, and stimulate job growth.

(2) The legislature intends to support strategic partnerships of public, private, nonprofit, and community-based sectors in the continued growth and development of high-speed internet services and information technology. The legislature further intends to ensure that all Washington citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations are able to obtain and utilize broadband fully, regardless of location, economic status, literacy level, age, disability, structure, or size. In addition, the legislature intends that a statewide assessment of the availability, location, service levels, and other characteristics of high-speed internet services and other advanced telecommunications services in the state be conducted.

(3) In recognition of the importance of broadband deployment and adoption to the economy, health, safety, and welfare of the people of Washington, it is the purpose of this act to make high-speed internet service more readily available throughout the state, especially in areas and for populations with a low utilization rate." [ 2009 c 509 s 1.]

Effective date—2009 c 509: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 509 s 16.]