Section 50-40-40 - Certification as broadband ready community; requirements for certification(a) A political subdivision that has a comprehensive plan that includes the promotion of the deployment of broadband services, as required pursuant to Code Sections 36-70-6 and 50-8-7.1, may apply to the Department of Community Affairs for certification as a broadband ready community. The department shall by rules and regulations prescribe the form and manner for making an application. The department shall prescribe by rules and regulations a process for public notice and comment on an application for a period of at least 30 days after such application is received, except that such process shall not apply to an application by a political subdivision that enacts a model ordinance developed by the department under Code Section 50-40-41.(b) The department shall approve an application and certify a political subdivision as a broadband ready community if the department determines that such political subdivision has enacted an ordinance that complies with Code Section 50-40-41. If the process for public notice and comment applies to an application, the department shall, before approving such application, consider any public comments made regarding such application.Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 423,§ 6-1, eff. 5/7/2018.