Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill Monday clarifying certain rules for the state USF that expand access to telecom services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The bipartisan bill, HB-1052, would direct the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to "implement and manage the universal service program effectively." The bill clarifies that the PUC must ensure that individuals with print disabilities have access to essential telecom services, "including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information." The commission would be authorized to use up to $150,000 to implement the requirement. The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Green (D).

A Louisiana resolution would require quarterly reports from the state's broadband office on the status of broadband coverage in rural areas. State Rep. Rhonda Butler (R) introduced HR-327 on Monday to mandate quarterly reports on the "implementation, performance and rural coverage" of state and federally funded broadband infrastructure projects. The reports would include all projects underway or completed, the percentage of rural homes and businesses serviced by each project, any challenges or issues, recommendations to serve hard-to-reach or remote areas, and an assessment of whether underserved or unserved areas are "being bypassed or deprioritized."

The Oklahoma Broadband Office launched a new dashboard providing "top line data" on the state's progress of broadband expansion, the agency announced Friday. The dashboard includes award amount, technology used, project status and other information at the county, congressional, state House and state Senate district level. Also Friday, OBO announced that Atlas Broadband officially launched eight projects totaling $34.2 million. The ISP is connecting fiber in at least two of its projects. Oklahoma is "igniting a future where our rural communities thrive," said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced $2.3 million in digital skills and workforce readiness programs last week (see 2405300054). The Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans program, run by the state's Office of Broadband Development, will fund digital literacy training and cybersecurity education for 13 organizations, targeting about 50,000 residents. “Community organizations across Kansas will use this funding to create immediate opportunities for those aiming to increase digital skills and knowledge,” Kelly said. Among the organizations are the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, which will create a pilot program to provide digital opportunities and "extend access to critical digital education," and Tree Top Security, which will provide cybersecurity and digital skills training to businesses in northwest Kansas, the announcement said.

Ohio awarded nearly $23.7 million in broadband infrastructure funding Friday through its broadband pole replacement and undergrounding program, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced. The program, administered by BroadbandOhio, the state's broadband office, will fund six ISPs' projects, spanning 23 counties. The selected ISPs -- Ohio Gig, Charter, South Central Power, Logan County Gig, the Southern Ohio Communications Co. and JB Nets -- submitted 67 applications covering 1,333 utility poles and 3,622 undergroundings.

The New York Senate voted 56-4 on Thursday to require cable and broadband providers to maintain a 24/7 toll-free number for service outages. The bill, SB-6200, now moves to the state assembly for consideration. Sens. James Skoufis (D), Shelley Mayer (D) and Steven Rhoads (R) introduced it in March. The toll-free number would be required to "adequately address a surge in phone call volume" during emergency situations or extreme weather conditions, according to the legislation text. "Any New Yorker will attest to the frustration of contacting a company when an issue arises," said a bill justification. The measure ensures that consumers can "easily reach their service provider to address any issues."

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced about $13.7 million in broadband grants Thursday through the state's Home Stretch for Public Housing program. Administered by the Office of Statewide Broadband, the program funds costs associated with fixing and upgrading internal infrastructure in low-income, nonprofit and municipally owned units. The awardees included Comcast, which received about $4.9 million to improve services for 10,000 units across the state. Montgomery County received nearly $7.5 million. Simple Fiber also won nearly $1.3 million to serve Wicomico and Worcester counties. “The money provided through these awards will strengthen Maryland’s digital equity and inclusion efforts across the state” and "ensure that every Marylander has equal access to digital resources, technologies, and opportunities," said Office of Statewide Broadband Director Ronnie Hammond.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) on Wednesday signed into law HB-1056, which amends some local government permitting rules for wireless facilities. It covers applications filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026 (see 2501090044), and requires local governments to approve applications for new facilities or substantial changes to existing ones if they meet certain criteria.

The California Senate voted 29-8, with three non-voting members, to approve a bill requiring the California Public Utilities Commission to "establish a mechanism to include standalone broadband internet access service as a class of lifeline service." State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D) introduced the bill, SB-716, in February. It would allow ISPs to receive lifeline subsidies if they offer at least one plan with speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps for no more than $30 per month. The commission would be required to adopt rules by July 1, 2027.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) vetoed a bill this week that would have established certain requirements for agencies awarding broadband infrastructure grants. "While expanding broadband access and supporting a skilled workforce is an admirable goal, SB-93 introduces several challenges that could undermine its effectiveness," Lombardo said in a letter to the state legislature: "Rather than fostering broad, efficient deployment of broadband, the bill risks creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, stifling competition, and delaying progress." He said the "prescriptive requirements" would "undermine the flexibility needed to administer broadband grant programs effectively."