A bill spearheaded by state Sen. Deborah Reynolds calling for the state to hire a director to promote high-speed Internet access throughout the state has passed the Senate and now goes to the House.

The bill allows for the hiring of a state director of broadband planning and development — a position that will likely be funded with federal stimulus money.

Reynolds, D-Plymouth, has made expanded Internet access a key issue.

"I know the House shares my interest in moving the state forward in terms of addressing our telecommunications and economic development needs," Reynolds said. "Ensuring that every household and business in New Hampshire has access to affordable, high-quality broadband service has been my number one priority since coming to the Senate.

"This bill will allow New Hampshire to develop and implement a statewide broadband plan to create jobs, attract businesses, educate our children and help reduce healthcare costs through the use of telemedicine technologies."

"The bill makes the funding for this position contingent upon the receipt of grants or federal funds," said Sen. Kathleen Sgambati, D-Tilton, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which reviewed the bill.

Reynolds' broadband bill calls for the position to be created within the state Department of Resources and Economic Development. The director's responsibilities would include developing a state telecommunications plan to bring broadband service to all corners of the state and to seek grants and investigate partnerships with the public and private sectors to advance that goal.

"New Hampshire has a broadband action plan and the establishment of this position will ensure we are ready to move forward on this initiative," she said.