A Washington bill cleared the Senate in a 46-2 vote Wednesday to amend the state's broadband infrastructure repair loan program. S-5188 would modify Washington's broadband service expansion grant and loan program, allowing loans for repairing or replacing middle and last mile broadband infrastructure.

A Texas bill would aim to improve communication access for first responders throughout the state. H-4510 would direct first responder departments to select a "first responder broadband network service for use by first responders who are department employees." The bill defined the service as a "dedicated wireless broadband communications network." State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D) introduced the measure Wednesday.

The Washington House of Representatives on Monday passed a bill aimed at expanding digital equity. State Rep. Mia Gregerson (D) introduced the bill, H-1503, which would give the state Department of Commerce "primary responsibility for increasing access to broadband and related infrastructure." It would also direct the Office of Equity to facilitate "the provision of digital devices and services to individuals and communities in Washington."

Vermont wants applications by April 16 at 11:55 p.m. from ISPs interested in participating in its BEAD program, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) announced Tuesday. The state received $239 million in BEAD funding. The VCBB said it's "aware that the BEAD program is under federal review and will keep prospective subrecipients apprised of any changes that will affect the full proposal process, including changes to scoring," adding that "until any notice from the NTIA, the VCBB will continue to implement the VT-BEAD program in accordance with Vermont’s Initial Proposal."

A Texas bill would direct the state broadband office to conduct a study on broadband availability in multi-dwelling units (MDU). State Rep. Christina Morales (D) introduced the bill, H-3953, on Thursday. The office would be tasked with examining the effects for tenants of exclusivity agreements between ISPs and building owners, as well as the effects of "an absence of municipal regulations on broadband service infrastructure deployment in areas with a high concentration of multiunit residential properties." Due Dec. 1, 2026, the study would also assess differences in low- and high-income areas and include "any recommendations of the office related to the study."

AT&T launched five broadband expansion projects totaling $11.4 million in Oklahoma, the company announced Friday with the Oklahoma Broadband Office. The projects, funded with federal grants and additional funding from AT&T, will connect 2,760 homes and businesses with fiber. "Today's launch marks more than the rollout of fiber -- it's the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection for every corner of Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders.

Tennessee lawmakers in the state's Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor unanimously approved a bill this week that would bar the state public utility commission from regulating rates and terms for ISPs and VoIP providers as carriers. State Sen. Shane Reeves (R) introduced the measure, S-556, last month.

A subcommittee of the Iowa House Economic Growth and Technology Committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would require ISPs to submit quarterly reports to customers regarding advertised and actually offered speeds in their geographic location. The bill, H-551, would also require ISPs to provide refund credits based on any differences in the speeds provided versus what was advertised.

A Texas bill would prohibit contracts for communications infrastructure with foreign-owned companies that the governor designates as adversaries. State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R) introduced the bill, S-1847, on Tuesday. It would also bar contracts for "remote sensing technology" and other critical infrastructure. The legislation would give the governor authority to designate any country or person that is also designated a foreign adversary by the secretary of Commerce as a threat, barring contracts with associated companies.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority received 239 applications for its BEAD program, the agency said in a Monday newsletter. It said 97% of BEAD-eligible locations received at least one bid, and 85% received two or more bids. Application reviews are currently underway.