130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1484		LR 1519(02)
	An Act To Enhance the ConnectMaine Authority's Capacity To Provide World-class Internet
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - General Fund Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill establishes state connectivity goals and establishes the Maine Connectivity Authority, a quasi-independent state entity, to develop and finance projects to meet those goals. The Authority is governed by a seven-member board and includes four additional nonvoting representatives from the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Unversity of Maine System, the Finance Authority of Maine and the Chief Information Officer of the State. The Authority may be funded through various sources, including issuing bonds, collecting fees related to the use of facilities financed by the Authority and other federal funding provided. The Authority is required to consult with the ConnectMaine Authority to develop recommendations to facilitate its oversite of the ConnectMaine Authority and to report back regarding those recommendations by January 15, 2022.
	Additional costs to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the University of Maine System and the Finance Authority of Maine for representatives to serve on the Maine Connectivity Authority can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. Any additional costs to the ConnectMaine Authority to work with the Maine Connectivity Authority are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.