(1) The office, in consultation with the digital equity forum, the utilities and transportation commission, and the department of social and health services, must develop a state digital equity plan.
(a) The office must seek any available federal funding for purposes of developing and implementing the state digital equity plan.
(b) The state digital equity plan must include such elements as the office determines are necessary to leverage federal funding.
(2) In developing the plan, the office must identify measurable objectives for documenting and promoting digital equity among underserved communities located in the state.
(3) By December 1, 2023, the office must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature, including the following:
(a) The digital equity plan described in subsection (1) of this section and measurable objectives described in subsection (2) of this section;
(b) A description of how the office collaborated with the membership of the digital equity forum, state agencies, and key stakeholders to develop the plan including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Community anchor institutions;
(ii) Local governments;
(iii) Local educational agencies;
(iv) Entities that carry out workforce development programs; and
(v) Broadband service providers;
(c) A description of federal funding available to advance digital equity in the state, including any available information on the extent to which state residents have enrolled in the affordable connectivity program through an approved provider; and
(d) Recommendations of additional state law or policy that can be targeted to help improve broadband adoption and affordability for state residents. This may include recommendations of ongoing subsidies that the state can provide to low-income individuals and anchor institutions, as well as identification of revenue sources that other states or jurisdictions have developed to fund such subsidies or discounted rates.
(4) For the purpose of this section, "office" means the statewide broadband office established in RCW 43.330.532.