On June 24, 2026, AB 2279 passed out of committee with amendments and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill seeks to help more people get reliable and affordable internet. AB 2279 strengthens the role of Regional Broadband Consortia (RBCs) that work directly with residents, community stakeholders and local governments to connect them to internet services. This includes helping people find affordable options, sign up for service and learn how to use it in their daily lives. Access to the internet is essential today—for applying to jobs, completing schoolwork, accessing health care and staying connected to family and community.

As a longstanding RBC, UNITE-LA provided expert testimony through its director of digital equity, Liliana Aide Monge. The hearing gave Monge the opportunity to provide comments and answer various detailed questions from committee members before the vote.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Expanding the work of RBCs so they not only support building internet infrastructure but also help people actually use and benefit from it.
• Focusing efforts on communities that have already received state funding for broadband infrastructure projects, as well as areas identified through local support programs.
• Providing more stable, multi-year funding so RBCs can plan ahead and better serve their communities.
• Setting clear expectations for how RBCs support both expanding internet access and helping people adopt and use it, while ensuring accountability.

Overall, AB 2279 aims to close the digital divide and ensure everyone can fully participate in today's connected world.