69-3-858. Interim universal access program -- funded services -- application for services. (1) The universal access program provides funding through discounts only for advanced services for use by public access points, schools, tribal colleges, libraries, and health care providers approved by the administrator.
     (2) The first priority of the program is to provide funding for at least one public access point in each Montana community. Subject to available funding, the program shall also provide funding for advanced services to schools, tribal colleges, libraries, and health care providers.
     (3) The administrator shall establish discount levels for services in each of the following categories:
     (a) public access points;
     (b) education services to schools and tribal colleges for distance learning, electronic access to educational resources, and electronic delivery or reception of educational programming;
     (c) library services for libraries not serving as public access points for electronic access to information and library services; and
     (d) rural health services to rural health care providers for access to similar services as urban health care providers and to ensure electronic access to health care services.
     (4) To receive discounted services under the interim universal access program, public access providers, schools, tribal colleges, libraries, and health care providers shall apply for the discounts. The application must be accompanied by a resolution of support from the governing body of the appropriate city, county, or tribal government in which the applicant is located.

     History: En. Sec. 23, Ch. 349, L. 1997.