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.
Texas made in excess of $700 million available in grants for broadband infrastructure projects Wednesday, said state Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Funded in part by the U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Projects Fund, the grants will support the second round of the state's Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT II) program. The 24 selected counties "demonstrated a pressing need for broadband infrastructure investment, and this program will provide vital assistance to help these communities access essential online resources," Hegar said. The Broadband Development Office has approved 13 of the 24 counties' projects and is also finalizing awards for nine additional counties.
AT&T’s move to withdraw its fixed wireless service offering from New York after the state's 2021 Affordable Broadband Act took effect "was its own decision," a New York Public Service Commission spokesperson said in an email Tuesday (see 2412160039). Moreover, the "state’s largest broadband providers have opted to continue to do business" in New York, the spokesperson added.
The California Public Utilities Commission approved $32.5 million in new broadband grants Thursday. Three projects will receive a collective $28 million through the state's last-mile federal funding account grant program. The remaining funding will be awarded through seven grants supporting digital literacy and broadband adoption efforts. “These grants represent a perfect example of what we are trying to achieve in order to close the digital divide, especially in areas that have historic need," said Commissioner Darcie Houck: "It is necessary to not only build broadband infrastructure, but we also have to make sure everyone is able to use it."