(220 ILCS 80/5)

Sec. 5. Legislative findings and purpose. The General Assembly finds as follows:

(1) a goal of the State of Illinois is to make available to its citizens affordable, reliable, and state-of-the-art Internet communications through the expansion, extension, and general availability of broadband services and technology, and to encourage the adoption of broadband by all citizens;

(2) that, although broadband access has been extended to many areas of the State, many rural areas remain unserved and, although many neighborhoods in urban and suburban areas have broadband options, some urban neighborhoods remain unserved;

(3) that fair and equitable access to 21st century technology is essential to (A) maximize the functionality of educational resources and educational facilities that enable our children and adults to receive the best of future teaching and learning, (B) civic engagement, (C) economic development, (D) access to state-of-the-art health care, (E) aging in place, (F) participation in a global economy, and (G) the State's farming communities; and

(4) accordingly, it is the purpose of the General Assembly to provide for the development of policies to promote (A) extending broadband access to citizens of Illinois and (B) eliminating barriers to widespread adoption of broadband Internet access.

(Source: P.A. 100-833, eff. 1-1-19.)