AB 917

This bill allows a city, village, town, or county (political subdivision) to apply to

the Public Service Commission for certification as a Telecommuter Forward!

community. The PSC must make the certification if the political subdivision adopts

a resolution that states its support and commitment to promote the availability of

telecommuting options and that provides for a single point of contact for coordinating

telecommuting opportunities. The point of contact must have specified

responsibilities, including the following: 1) coordination and partnership with

telecommuting stakeholders; 2) collaboration with broadband providers and

employers to identify, develop, and market telecommuter-capable broadband

packages; and 3) communication and partnership with broadband providers and

economic development professionals to develop common goals. In addition, the point

of contact must be responsible for promoting telecommuter-friendly workspaces if

such a workspace has been established in the political subdivision at the time it

adopts the resolution. The PSC must prescribe the form and manner for making an

application and a process for public notice and comment. Before approving an

application, the PSC must consider any public comments.

The bill also creates a Telecommuter Forward! council and requires the PSC to

consult with the council in carrying out its duties under the bill. The council consists

of 13 members appointed to three-year terms. The PSC appoints four members, each

of whom represents one of the following: 1) an employer who uses and promotes

telecommuting for its employees; 2) a chamber of commerce; 3) a local economic

development organization; and 4) a regional economic development organization.

Each of the following appoints one of the remaining nine members: 1) the Wisconsin

Economic Development Corporation; 2) the department of workforce development;

3) the department of tourism; 4) an association specified by the PSC that represents

telecommunications providers; 5) an association specified by the PSC that

represents video service providers; 6) a broadband providers stakeholder group

specified by the PSC; 7) the League of Wisconsin Municipalities; 8) the Wisconsin

Counties Association; and 9) the Wisconsin Towns Association.