The House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3148, which proposes significant changes to the Oregon Public Utility Commission's Low Income Telecommunication Assistance Plan. The bill, which declares an emergency and is effective upon passage, aims to enhance the Oregon Lifeline Plan by introducing a one-time personal computing benefit and establishing a maximum limit for assistance provided by the Commission. Additionally, it repeals the statute that previously set a sunset date for the program.

Representative Pam Marsh, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the critical role of broadband access in today's society, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the state is making substantial investments in broadband infrastructure, including approximately $150 million from recently issued ARPA grants and an anticipated $700 million from the Federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Grant Program. These investments are intended to address broadband access deficiencies in both rural and urban areas.

Marsh pointed out that while infrastructure is essential, affordability and digital literacy are equally important to bridge the digital divide. She referenced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided subsidies to millions of Americans but ended in June 2022. In response to the loss of ACP, Marsh convened a work group to explore state-level solutions, resulting in House Bill 3148. This bill aims to utilize the existing Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP) to provide increased subsidies for qualifying Oregonians, raising the monthly subsidy from $10 to potentially $15, complemented by federal support.

Senator David Brock Smith also addressed the committee, recalling past legislative efforts to enhance broadband access in Oregon. He highlighted the importance of strategic investments in broadband, particularly for rural areas, and mentioned the legislative groundwork laid in previous years to facilitate broadband expansion through utility infrastructure.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of improving broadband access and affordability for low-income residents in Oregon, with House Bill 3148 positioned as a modest yet impactful step toward achieving these goals. The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing the bill, reflecting a collective effort to ensure that all Oregonians can benefit from essential digital services.