Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville) has been appointed by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to serve as Chair of the Senate Advanced Communications Technologies and Use of State and Local Government Right of Way Policy Modernization Study Committee.

“Although a lot of progress was made during the 2018 session to expand communication networks, such as broadband access, throughout the state, a lot of work remains to be done,” said Sen. Ginn. “I believe this committee will help us further address the priority of ensuring all Georgians have access to reliable communication networks and the newest technology. These resources drive economic growth along with promoting better telehealth advances and education opportunities for our children. By bringing together legislators, local elected officials and key experts, we will strive to come up with recommendations that will ensure our laws governing the use of rights of way are updated and in line with current technological needs and advances.”

The Senate Advanced Communications Technologies and Use of State and Local Government Right of Way Policy Modernization Study Committee was created by the passage of Senate Resolution 1019 during the 2018 Legislative Session. The committee will be comprised of five members of the Senate along with five members, including a mayor, county commissioner and three experts within the communication deployment and taxation arena. Members of the committee will meet throughout the interim with stakeholders to determine modernization, fairness and technology neutrality for the deployment of communication networks and new technologies throughout the state using rights of way. Additionally, the committee will review the proper policies for taxing these services. The committee must report its findings on or before December 1, 2018.

Committee Members: Chair Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville), Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), Sen. P.K. Martin (R – Lawrenceville), Sen. Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), City of Dublin Mayor Phil Best, Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, Mr. Chris White with the City of Thomasville, Ms. Suzanne Powell with the Utility Technology Association and Mr. Patrick Turner with AT&T.