LOW-INCOME TELECOMM. ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Establishes new budget caps for the State Rural Universal Service Fund: $18 million for access reduction support, $12 million for broadband program, and $10 million in year one (increasing to $45 million annually) for low-income assistance.

Replaces the Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act with a new Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program that includes students at risk, households meeting need-based assistance criteria, and federal lifeline program participants.

Adds new definitions for digital equity, digital inclusion, underserved areas, and unserved areas to reflect modern broadband standards and ensure equitable access regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural identity.

Requires the commission to submit annual reports to multiple legislative committees detailing program status, funding amounts, service areas, and recommendations for future changes.

Requires eligible telecommunications carriers receiving fund support to expend at least 60% of support on broadband deployment in rural areas through 2028, increasing to 100% in subsequent years.

Repeals the Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act (Sections 63-9C-1 through 63-9C-6) and replaces it with new program requirements under the Rural Telecommunications Act.

Sets effective date of July 1, 2026, and requires commission to promulgate new rules by January 1, 2027, for implementing the low-income telecommunications assistance program.