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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill creates the Division of Digital Access and Opportunity within the Department
10 of Heritage and Arts.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 ▸ defines terms;
14 ▸ creates the Division of Digital Access and Opportunity (the division) within the
15 Department of Heritage and Arts;
16 ▸ describes the division's responsibilities;
17 ▸ provides for the appointment of a division director;
18 ▸ provides that the division may establish a foundation; and
19 ▸ creates an expendable special revenue fund.
20 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
21 None
22 Other Special Clauses:
23 None
24 Utah Code Sections Affected:
25 ENACTS:
26 9-23-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
27 9-23-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
28 9-23-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
29 9-23-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
30 9-23-203, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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32 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
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35 Section 1. Section 9-23-101 is enacted to read:
36 9-23-101. Title.
37 This chapter is known as "Division of Digital Access and Opportunity."
38 Section 2. Section 9-23-102 is enacted to read:
39 9-23-102. Definitions.
40 As used in this chapter:
41 (1) "Digital access" means having access to an Internet connection and computing
42 device.
43 (2) "Digital equity" means the condition of individuals and communities having the
44 capacity and sufficient resources for full participation in a 21st century economy, democracy,
45 and society.
46 (3) "Digital literacy" means the ability to use information and communication
47 technology to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive
48 and technical skills.
49 (4) "Division" means the Division of Digital Access and Opportunity created in
50 Section 9-23-201.
51 (5) "Division director" means the director of the division.
52 (6) "Information and communication technology" means technology related to digital
53 access, including:
54 (a) hardware, including:
55 (i) a desktop computer;
56 (ii) a laptop computer;
57 (iii) a smartphone; or
58 (iv) a tablet;
59 (b) the Internet;
60 (c) broadcast technology other than the Internet; and
61 (d) software.
62 Section 3. Section 9-23-201 is enacted to read:
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64 9-23-201. Creation of division -- Powers and duties -- Division director.
65 (1) There is created within the department the Division of Digital Access and
66 Opportunity.
67 (2) The division is under the policy direction of the division director under the general
68 supervision of the executive director.
69 (3) The division shall implement programs and policies to address digital equity by:
70 (a) promoting digital access, digital literacy, and digital safety;
71 (b) in coordination with the Utah Education and Telehealth Network described in
72 Section 53B-17-105, increasing access to broadband Internet;
73 (c) providing statewide strategic leadership and coordination related to digital
74 opportunity and access;
75 (d) in coordination with the Governor's Office of Economic Development's activities
76 related to broadband Internet described in Section 63N-3-501, promoting the development of
77 broadband Internet and soliciting input on strategies to increase the adoption of broadband
78 Internet; and
79 (e) building local capacity to increase digital access and digital literacy.
80 (4) The division shall target the activities described in Subsection (3) to individuals
81 most affected by the digital divide, including individuals who:
82 (a) live in rural areas;
83 (b) have disabilities;
84 (c) are senior citizens;
85 (d) are Native Americans;
86 (e) are homeless; or
87 (f) are refugees.
88 (5) The executive director shall appoint a division director who has experience in
89 digital literacy or other experience related to addressing the digital divide.
90 Section 4. Section 9-23-202 is enacted to read:
91 9-23-202. Foundation.
92 (1) The division may establish a foundation to address digital access and digital
93 literacy.
94 (2) The foundation described in this section:
95 (a) may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization to assist the
96 division in meeting the division's responsibilities described in Section 9-23-201;
97 (b) does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that
98 constitute a claim against public funds;
99 (c) may not:
100 (i) exercise executive or administrative authority over programs or other activities
101 described in this chapter, except to the extent specifically authorized by the department;
102 (ii) engage in lobbying activities;
103 (iii) attempt to influence legislation; or
104 (iv) participate in any campaign activity for or against:
105 (A) a political candidate; or
106 (B) an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other
107 ballot proposition submitted to the voters; and
108 (d) shall provide to the division director and the executive director information
109 detailing transactions and balances associated with the foundation.
110 Section 5. Section 9-23-203 is enacted to read:
111 9-23-203. Digital Access and Opportunity Foundation Fund.
112 (1) There is created an expendable special revenue fund known as the "Digital Access
113 and Opportunity Foundation Fund."
114 (2) The director shall administer the fund in coordination with the executive director.
115 (3) (a) Money may be deposited into the fund from:
116 (i) grants;
117 (ii) private foundations;
118 (iii) individual donor gifts or bequests;
119 (iv) legislative appropriations; or
120 (v) money made available from any other source.
121 (b) Money collected by the foundation described in Section 9-23-202 shall be
122 deposited into the fund.
123 (4) The department may treat any portion of the fund as an endowment fund by
124 providing that the principal of that portion of the fund is held in perpetuity on behalf of the
125 division.
126 (5) The state treasurer shall invest the money in the fund according to the procedures
127 and requirements of Title 51, Chapter 7, State Money Management Act, except that all interest
128 or other earnings derived from those investments shall be deposited into the fund.
129 (6) The division director, under direction of the executive director, may authorize
130 expenditures from the fund for the purposes described in this chapter.