H.R. 3125 — Rural Broadband Assistance Act

This section revises the heading of Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to read “Public notice, technical assistance, assessments, and reporting requirements” and establishes a broadband technical assistance grant program by replacing subsection (e). The program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide technical assistance and training to eligible entities—including federally recognized Tribes or Tribal entities, state or local governments, territories or possessions of the United States, institutions of higher education (including 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges or Universities), 501(c)(3) nonprofits, cooperatives or mutual organizations, corporations, and limited liability companies or partnerships—to expand rural broadband access through USDA broadband programs. Eligible assistance encompasses (1) preparing applications for grants, loans, and loan guarantees; (2) identifying public and private financing resources; (3) conducting feasibility studies, financial forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and technical designs; (4) preparing reports and surveys on broadband needs, pricing, and funding; (5) analyzing and improving facility management and operations; (6) collecting broadband infrastructure data; and (7) other needs identified by the Secretary. The Secretary must prioritize grant recipients with experience assisting rural entities and may fund national or multi-state on-site assistance.