A bill introduced Thursday would establish a "comprehensive framework to restore net neutrality," according to a summary of the New York legislation. A dozen Democratic state senators, led by Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D), introduced S-3860, which would also amend some rules governing placement of equipment on utility poles.
The California Public Utilities Commission approved $48 million in last mile broadband funding Thursday. It selected eight projects through its last mile federal funding account grant program to serve disadvantaged and low-income communities. “We are putting these funds to work, generating quality jobs, bolstering our economy, and building fast, reliable, and affordable broadband infrastructure,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. The commission also approved $32.5 million as part of the program last week [see 2501170039).
An Oklahoma bill would establish a Broadband Governing Board to oversee the state's broadband office. State Rep. Steve Bashore (R) prefiled the bill, HB-1123, for the next legislative session. If adopted, it would give the board authority to adopt rules on broadband expansion efforts and approve or deny "all grant and incentive programs" the state broadband office created. The board would also be tasked with approving the statewide broadband plan or updates to the plan until its termination on June 30, 2028.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced a new bill Wednesday that would ban smartphones and other electronic devices from all public schools. State Sen. Tyler Dees (R) and state Rep. Jon Eubanks (R) sponsored the bill. "After the overwhelming success of our phone-free schools pilot program, it’s clear that it’s time for Arkansas to ban smartphones, bell to bell, in every school in our state," Sanders said. Citing mental health as a top priority, she noted that the bill would allow school districts to provide certain exemptions.
An Illinois bill introduced Friday would amend certain rules governing rights-of-way and utility easements. Introduced by state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D), HB-1737 would clarify that "no additional compensation is required for the installation and maintenance of broadband infrastructure within an easement for electricity or along an existing public road right-of-way." It would also establish rules for "a private right of action and damages for a property owner who is challenging the broadband provider's right to use an easement for broadband services or infrastructure."
D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D) introduced legislation Monday that would bar students from using mobile devices during school hours. The Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025 would require that D.C. schools establish rules prohibiting cellphones, gaming devices and smartwatches, among other devices. "Removing distracting devices during the school day will better equip our students to focus, empower our teachers to teach, and ensure that our kids are engaging with one another in person, which will benefit them and their outcomes for years to come," Pinto said. The bill would include exceptions, for example, if an educator determines a device is needed for educational purposes. Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Councilmembers Charles Allen (D), Matthew Frumin (D), Zachary Parker (D), and Anita Bonds (D) co-sponsored the bill.
The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission announced Monday a series of in-person and virtual public hearings on Verizon's proposed $20 billion all-cash purchase of Frontier (see 2409050010). The PUC will hold in-person hearings Feb. 10 and Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. and telephone hearings Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The New York State Public Service Commission approved an additional area code for certain parts of the New York City area Thursday. The North American Numbering Administrator petitioned the PSC for another area code for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Marble Hill areas. PSC Chair Rory Christian said the new code overlay will "address the expansion of telecommunication services which serve this region and [will] support future demand.”
The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a virtual prehearing Feb. 14 about the second phase of its proceeding for an updated regulatory framework for VoIP providers, per a ruling Wednesday (see 2411070036). The CPUC wants prehearing statements from interested parties by Feb. 10.
The Maine Connectivity Authority made $5 million available for digital equity and broadband expansion efforts, the agency said Wednesday. The digital opportunity networks grant program will be used as part of the state's efforts under its digital equity plan. In the first phase of the program, MCA is accepting letters of intent from nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and tribal governments.