Technology (Broadband Access)

This bill requires drainage and levee districts in Iowa to waive administrative fees for local contractors and fiber optic network companies applying to install fiber optic cables on district land. Under the new rules, these specific local businesses will not be charged for the review, approval, or rejection of their easement applications, though districts may publish a list of eligible companies. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment, streamlining the process for local infrastructure providers without changing the district's authority to grant easements.

This bill exempts local fiber optic contractors and network companies from application fees when seeking easements from drainage or levee districts to install fiber optic cable. Specifically, it prohibits districts from charging administrative fees for processing these easement requests if the applicant operates primarily as a local business. Districts may create a published list identifying qualifying local businesses to ensure the fee exemption applies. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment, aiming to reduce barriers for local broadband infrastructure expansion.

HF 273 requires Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt a policy by December 31, 2025, prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices (like cell phones or smartphones with internet access) during classroom instruction. The policy must allow exceptions for educational use by teachers, emergencies, health management, and students with IEPs or 504 plans. Schools must make the policy publicly available online, include it in student handbooks, and notify parents through email, mail, or a note. This bill directly affects all public and accredited nonpublic schools, students, and their families by establishing clear rules for device use during learning time.

This bill allows Iowa electric cooperatives to use their existing power line easements for installing broadband infrastructure, such as fiber optic cables, to expand internet access. It requires cooperatives to provide property owners with written notice at least six months before using the easement for broadband, detailing the project and work involved. Property owners can challenge the use in court within that six-month window, but cooperatives may proceed after the notice period unless a lawsuit is filed. The bill also establishes procedures for property owners to seek compensation for any property value impact, while ensuring broadband work doesn't interfere with the cooperative's primary power operations.

HF 551 requires Iowa broadband providers to report quarterly on actual internet speeds compared to advertised and contracted speeds for each customer. If a provider delivers slower speeds than promised, they must issue refunds proportional to the time the speeds were below contract terms. The bill also imposes civil penalties (equal to twice the refunds owed) for non-compliance, with funds directed to economic development programs and the state public defender office. This directly affects all broadband customers in Iowa and the state's communication service providers.