Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-163-3. Duties and powers of broadband director

(a) Creating or otherwise administering grants, programs, projects, initiatives, or mapping efforts to further the investment in and development of broadband and digital equity in the state. Pending availability of funding, these may include: developing a mapping process to review and verify transmission speeds and broadband availability throughout the state; providing information, advice, and technical assistance to municipalities, regions, and others to increase broadband adoption and digital equity; and proposing legislation that supports increased digital equity and sustainable adoption of broadband.

(b) The executive office of commerce may seek advice from the broadband advisory council in the review of proposals for adoption of technologies required to deploy broadband to residents, businesses, and municipalities. The executive office of commerce or any state agency or quasi-public state agency charged with administering such grant and other programs is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations that set forth the programs' goals, investment criteria, principles, and parameters.

(c) The executive office of commerce or any state agency or quasi-public state agency charged with administering such grant and other programs shall follow applicable federal and state reporting and transparency requirements for any program established, including the allocation and utilization of federal dollars.

(d) In consultation with the governor's workforce board, develop a statewide curriculum for advanced digital skills training to establish a talent pipeline matching job seekers and historically underrepresented populations and Rhode Island employers.

(e) The office shall include the office of regulatory reform and other administration functions that promote, enhance, or regulate various service and functions in order to promote the reform and improvement of the regulatory function of the state.