Second Substitute S.J.R. 18

Senator Howard A. Stephenson proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
UTAH BROADBAND FRIENDLY STATE - JOINT RESOLUTION

             2     
2014 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Howard A. Stephenson

             5     
House Sponsor: Ryan D. Wilcox

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Governor's Office of Economic
             10      Development and the Utah League of Cities and Towns to work with Utah's municipal
             11      leaders and private providers to help Utah become a fully "broadband friendly" state.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This resolution:
             14          .    urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Utah League of
             15      Cities and Towns to work with Utah's municipal leaders and private providers to
             16      develop a comprehensive plan to become a fully "broadband friendly" state; and
             17          .    urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development to work in concert with the
             18      Utah League of Cities and Towns and private providers to offer support,
             19      encouragement, and technical expertise to Utah's cities and towns in promoting the
             20      goal of broadband connectivity to every Utah home and business.
             21      Special Clauses:
             22          None
             23     
             24      Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             25          WHEREAS, since its founding, Utah has recognized and embraced the need to build


             26      today for the growth and prosperity of future generations;
             27          WHEREAS, among the first acts of our pioneer forebears was the construction of
             28      irrigation systems and roads and city grids;
             29          WHEREAS, these early steps formed the foundation of the state to the present day and
             30      reflected a commitment to place completion of vital infrastructure above comfort or
             31      convenience and to sacrifice for the future good;
             32          WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah recognizes that, in the future, all
             33      advancement in every vital field of endeavor -- education, job creation, business, health care,
             34      public safety, scientific research, and all forms of information -- will depend upon full digital
             35      connectivity;
             36          WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah recognizes the state's need to compete
             37      in a world economy with human and natural resources and that broadband technology opens
             38      doors to Utah students of all ages;
             39          WHEREAS, Utah has developed a thriving high-tech sector, employing thousands and
             40      contributing to the general prosperity of all;
             41          WHEREAS, businesses looking to build, relocate, or invest in Utah will include in their
             42      considerations the geographic and technological status of the state's digital infrastructure;
             43          WHEREAS, Utah's cities and towns are the government entities able to encourage and
             44      facilitate private sector expansion of broadband optic technology throughout the state;
             45          WHEREAS, cities and towns are ideally positioned to expedite the private sector
             46      deployment of broadband networks by streamlining permitting, facility siting, rights-of-way,
             47      building codes, planning, pole and conduit availability, and other impediments to full
             48      construction;
             49          WHEREAS, a city or town designation of "broadband deployed," "broadband ready," or
             50      "broadband friendly" would be a useful distinction in recruiting and retaining businesses for
             51      cities and towns;
             52          WHEREAS, the Governor's Office of Economic Development is tasked with
             53      encouraging the creation and development of economic expansion within Utah's borders and
             54      recognizes fully the need for universal digital connectivity;
             55          WHEREAS, the Utah League of Cities and Towns represents and assists Utah's cities
             56      and towns as a whole on a host of issues; and


             57          WHEREAS, the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Governor's Office of
             58      Economic Development are willing to coordinate efforts to encourage "broadband friendly"
             59      communities throughout Utah and to work in concert with Utah's cities and towns and private
             60      providers:
             61          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
             62      urges the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Utah League of Cities and
             63      Towns to work with Utah's city and town leaders and private providers to develop a
             64      comprehensive plan to become a fully "broadband friendly" state.
             65          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges the
             66      Governor's Office of Economic Development to work in concert with the Utah League of
             67      Cities and Towns and private providers to offer support, encouragement, and technical
             68      expertise to Utah's cities and towns in promoting the goal of broadband connectivity to every
             69      Utah home and business.
             70          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor's
             71      Office of Economic Development, private providers through the posting of a link to the
             72      resolution on the Governor's Office of Economic Development's website, and the Utah League
             73      of Cities and Towns for distribution to its members.


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