The Utility Reform Network and Center for Accessible Technology asked the California Public Utilities Commission to amend the scope of its proceeding concerning Verizon's purchase of Frontier. The groups said in a joint motion Tuesday that the commission should consider whether Frontier violated a condition granting a right of first offer to "purchase Frontier property to tribes and local governments by entering into negotiations with Verizon before notifying rightsholders of its decision to sell its utility property." The groups also asked that the scoping memo reflect the interests of Verizon ratepayers.
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Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) urged lawmakers to ban students from using cellphones at school. During a state Senate Education Committee hearing Tuesday, Pillen told legislators he supports the measure that Sen. Rita Sanders (R) introduced. The bill, (S-140), requires school boards in public school districts to adopt the ban. “Our teachers need to be focused on helping their students learn, not policing cellphone use. [The bill] provides a commonsense approach to this issue, so that all our schools are on a level playing field,” Pillen said.
The California Public Utilities Commission adopted a scoping memo and ruling on changes to its carrier of last resort (COLR) rules (see 2410310044). The ruling Tuesday clarified that broadband was subject to the scope of the proceeding. "It seems appropriate, given the current state of the market, to consider broadband availability when evaluating COLR withdrawal," wrote Commissioner John Reynolds. The memo required parties to "schedule monthly meet-and-confer sessions" until June. "The purpose of these monthly meetings is to develop parties’ joint stipulations on policy proposals that all parties believe the commission should adopt as part of this proceeding."
A proposed California bill would require all ISPs operating in the state to offer residents "affordable home internet." State Assembly Member Tasha Boerner (D) introduced A-353 last week. "Finding the right solution for California will require thoughtful engagement and collaboration from all sides of this issue," she said in a statement Friday. “It will be one of my priorities to work collaboratively with my colleagues, consumer advocates, industry stakeholders, and the Governor’s office to ensure we get this solution to the finish line.”
A Minnesota measure would let authorities use broadband grants for fixed wireless broadband deployment. State Sen. Nathan Wesenberg (R) introduced the bill, S-868, on Friday. If adopted, it would also clarify certain broadband mapping requirements for ISPs.
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."