Community Broadband Act of 2015

Community Broadband Act of 2015

Bars states or local governments from prohibiting or inhibiting states, local government agencies, entities affiliated with state or local agencies, or Indian tribes from providing telecommunications services or advanced telecommunications capabilities to any person or any public or private entity.

Prohibits government providers of public telecommunications services from favoring themselves over competing providers in the application of regulations, ordinances, public rights-of-way, or permitting requirements.

Directs local governments or affiliates intending to provide public telecommunications services to consider public-private partnerships.

Requires local governments or affiliates, before providing telecommunications services to the public, to provide public notice and opportunities for public input and private-sector bidding.

Provides an exemption from the prohibition on local governments favoring themselves in the application of regulations, and from the requirement to provide public notice and private bidding opportunities, during an emergency declared by the President, a governor, or an authorized elected local official.