(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Broadband provider” means a facilities-based provider of broadband, as defined in § 5830 of the Public Utilities Code.

(2) “Companies or organizations working on broadband deployment” includes, but is not limited to, local governments, nonprofit organizations, cable television corporations, as defined in § 216.4 of the Public Utilities Code, and telephone corporations, as defined in § 234 of the Public Utilities Code.

(3) “Priority area” means an area identified by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Section 11549.54.

(b) (1) During the project planning phase of a department-led highway construction project that was initiated on or after January 1, 2017, is parallel to the highway, and involves construction methods that are suitable for installing broadband conduit, the department shall notify companies and organizations working on broadband deployment of the project on its internet website to encourage collaborative broadband installations.

(2) For the purpose of supporting fiber optic communication cables, after receiving notification from the department, a company or organization working on broadband deployment may collaborate with the department to install a broadband conduit as part of the project.

(3) The department, in consultation with stakeholders, on or before January 1, 2018, shall develop guidelines to facilitate the installation of broadband conduit on state highway rights-of-way. The guidelines shall address access to information on assets and collaboration on future projects.

(c) The department, as part of each project funded by Item 7502-062-8506 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2021 located in a priority area, shall, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission and broadband providers, ensure that the construction includes the installation of conduits capable of supporting fiber optic communication cables.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 659, Sec. 1. (AB 41) Effective January 1, 2022.)