124th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1778		LR 2565(02)
	An Act To Enable the Installation of Broadband Infrastructure
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
	Committee: Utilities and Energy
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential future biennium revenue increase - General Fund Potential future biennium revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Establishing an approval process for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to facilitate the offering of federally supported dark fiber may result in future revenue increases to the General Fund in the form of additional state telecommunications personal property taxes paid by lessees of dark fiber for interactive two-way communications.  Maine Revenue Services has indicated the complexity of assumptions required to estimate the revenue that might be received by the state and no estimates are made at this time.  The collection of a broadband sustainability fee and remission of same to ConnectME will also increase Other Special Revenue Funds.  Any additional cost to the PUC associated with administration of dark fiber applications and hearings can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.