A proposed New York Privacy Act cleared the Senate Consumer Protection Committee by a 5-1 vote at a livestreamed meeting Tuesday. S-6701 is “all about accountability of social media companies,” said Chairman Kevin Thomas (D), the bill’s sponsor. Sen. James Tedisco (R) was the lone member to vote no during the voice vote. Sen. Mario Mattera (R) voted "aye with reservations." The bill goes next to the Internet and Technology Committee.
The New York Assembly passed a cable prorating bill Tuesday. AB-5438 sponsor Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D) earlier said he's encouraged by last month’s 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholding Maine's prorated cable TV refunds law (see 2201190022). "For too long cable companies have gotten away with continuing to charge customers for services they no longer receive," Zebrowski said in a statement Tuesday: The assemblyman looks forward to working with senators to pass the bill in their chamber.
A Hawaii Senate panel cleared a 988 bill that would create a task force to develop and implement a plan to use the calling code for the national suicide and mental health hotline. The Health Committee voted 5-0 Monday for SB-2205. It next needs Ways and Means Committee approval.
A second Florida Senate panel cleared a bill to tweak a 2021 state robocall law (see 2201240048). The Regulated Industries Committee voted 6-0 Tuesday to advance SB-1564. It can now be scheduled for a floor vote. Monday, the House Civil Justice and Property Rights Subcommittee cleared the House version (HB-1095). That bill cleared the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee last month (see 2201200041).
The California Public Utilities Commission plans to vote March 17 on a draft resolution (T-17759) to allow Dish Network’s wireless business to provide California LifeLine services, the CPUC said Tuesday. Comments on the draft are due by March 1, replies March 7, it said. The California commission could also vote at the March 17 meeting on denying Dish’s April 28 petition to modify the state commission’s April 2020 T-Mobile/Sprint OK, related to T-Mobile’s planned 3G shutdown (see 2202030042).
An Oregon bill to prepare for incoming federal broadband funding cleared the House Economic Recovery and Prosperity Committee by a 10-0 vote at a Monday meeting. The committee heard testimony last week on HB-4092, which would include updating membership and responsibilities of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, directing the state broadband office to develop broadband and diversity action plans, and requiring the office to collect geospatial and other data from ISPs and others with broadband infrastructure to assess grant and loan eligibility (see 2202030038). It goes next to the Ways and Means Committee.
A New Hampshire panel punted on an RF safety bill that would require 5G telecom antennas to be placed at least 1,640 feet from residentially zoned areas, parks, schools, playgrounds, hospitals, nursing homes and day care centers. HB-1644, previewed by sponsor Rep. Patrick Abrami (D) this summer (see 2108230043), also would create a registry for anyone experiencing radiation exposure symptoms. At a livestreamed Monday meeting, the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee voted 17-4 to study the issue more rather than adopt HB-1644 now. Testimony clearly showed people suffered from various physical and neurological issues, and "there may be a correlation” to wireless emissions, but “the committee was uncertain as to the causation of such ailments,” said Vice Chairman Douglas Thomas (R). More study could lead to a compromise next session that will get more support, he said. Rep. Lucius Parshall (D), one of the no votes, said he would rather temporarily ban 5G deployment while the study happens. The state lacks authority to impose a moratorium, said Rep. Jacqueline Cali-Pitts (D), supporting more study. Thomas’ subcommittee voted 3-1 to recommend the interim study, at a meeting earlier Monday. “We've heard testimony pretty strongly on both sides of the fence, and it's very complex,” he said before that vote. “Unfortunately, this is an early bill. We would have liked to have been able to put together an amendment to make it more palatable ... but time won't allow us.” HB-1644 could “jeopardize” state emergency communications, Mark Doyle, New Hampshire Department of Safety Emergency Services and Communications director, testified between subcommittee and full committee votes. It could negatively affect public safety radios and 911 services because people are making more emergency calls from cellphones, he said. HB-1644 was based on a November 2020 report by Abrami and others on a state 5G commission that said the FCC could be ignoring wireless RF dangers due to industry influence (see 2011020046).
Montana is accepting applications for $266 million in state broadband funding through the ConnectMT program, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) said Monday. Applications are due April 8, with informational webinars starting Feb. 10, the governor’s office said.
The Wireless Infrastructure Association expanded its state outreach program "dramatically" for 2022 “because we think it’s going to be a big year,” WIA President Jonathan Adelstein told the Colorado Wireless Association’s Annual Education Conference Thursday. “You need to get people hired early and in the room to make sure that you’re there when the big discussions are had,” he said. With all the discussion on infrastructure funding, this isn’t a year “to let your guard down,” he said. WIA will be in “probably over 25 states this year,” he said: “Not every state is going to be active, not every state is really kind of critical. … It’s very state specific.” Adelstein said Colorado is one of the states WIA's targeting, but “it’s pretty costly to do this.” WIA is watching whether states follow the directions of Congress as it approved infrastructure legislation and how the Commerce Department “ensures some level of uniformity,” he said. “States have enormous power” under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and “we need to be vigilant.” The level of wireless buildout could depend on strict rules by Commerce requiring technological neutrality, he said.
A Washington state bill meant to streamline broadband grants and loans cleared the House Capital Budget Committee at a livestreamed meeting Friday. Members voted 19-3 for HB-1673, which would allow the state’s Public Works Board to make low- or no-interest loans or grants for emergency public works broadband projects. It would also remove requirements that the board must consult with the Utilities and Transportation Commission before awarding funds and that the UTC must provide the board a technical feasibility assessment of proposed applications. Rep. Peter Abbarno (R) supported the bipartisan bill as a “step forward” that will speed broadband funding. Rep. Vicki Kraft (R) voted no because she would prefer giving tax credits to the private sector, she said. Thursday in Hawaii, two Senate committees cleared a bill requiring public housing built, renovated or reconstructed after Jan. 1, 2023, to have broadband access. Government Operations and Housing committees each voted 5-0 Thursday for SB-2479. State legislatures are weighing many broadband bills this year with federal funds coming (see 2202030038).