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An Act To Extend Internet Availability in Rural Maine
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation authorizes the use of funds in the telecommunications education access fund to support mobile Internet access technology; and
Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order for this funding to be available as soon as possible; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §7104-B, sub-§4, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 409, §2, is amended to read:
 
B. Internet access, including mobile Internet access through a portable wireless access point, or hotspot, that provides Internet access over a cellular network;
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §7104-B, sub-§5, ¶G, as amended by PL 2001, c. 522, §2, is further amended to read:
 
G. To provide for the establishment of computer technology training programs in schools to provide training to students in areas such as, but not limited to, electronic commerce, Internet proficiency and World Wide Web-enabled systems; and
Sec. 3. 35-A MRSA §7104-B, sub-§5, ¶H, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 522, §2, is amended to read:
 
H. To provide for electronic database content to be used for the purposes of accessing information by schools and libraries.; and
Sec. 4.  35-A MRSA §7104-B, sub-§5, ¶I  is enacted to read:
 
I.  To provide, within existing resources, support for qualified libraries in rural areas of the State with greatest need, as determined in consultation with the State Librarian, the Commissioner of Education and the ConnectME Authority, to offer portable wireless access points, or hotspots, for mobile Internet access.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 129th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.