Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senate File 9008 is uh deals with the broadband.
• Uh, the sooner we get broadband out there, it is an essential utility now.
• construction work uh including broadband and other underground utility installation.
• construction work uh including broadband construction work uh including broadband and<00:04:18.239
• It's got broadband in the title, so I would think we would send it to EGG." "Okay. Right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds and significant federal Broadband funds and significant Broadband<00:02:42.720> funds<00
• So broadband infrastructure and broadband efforts are multifaceted.
• So broadband infrastructure and broadband efforts are multifaceted.
• So broadband infrastructure and broadband efforts are multifaceted.
• > um<00:10:13.360> plan Broadband funding the Broadband um plan Broadband funding the Broadband

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with Cal Broadband.
• I'm with Cal Broadband.
• That's concerning for us, because what we have seen in the broadband, I know it's not a broadband bill
• Since it's referencing broadband, I don't know. So BEAD is broadband. Yeah.
• Broadband, yeah.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard AB 470 by Assembly Member McKinnor, a bill to modernize California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules for voice telephone service and create a process for carriers to transition away from obsolete copper networks in favor of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill is aimed at preserving reliable voice and 911 access while encouraging private investment in fiber and other modern networks, and emphasized that it is not a broadband bill. Support came from AT&T, business groups, and a former Cal OES director, who argued the bill provides a careful, phased modernization with CPUC oversight and increased public-safety investment requirements. Opposition came from TURN, CWA District 9, digital equity organizations, labor groups, and several local governments and county representatives. Critics raised concerns about the adequacy of the mapping process, reliance on broadband and wireless coverage data, the lack of on-the-ground verification, the challenge process, possible loss of Lifeline protections, and the impact on workers and union jobs. They also argued the bill could allow carriers to reduce universal-service obligations without enough safeguards for rural and vulnerable customers. Committee members discussed those concerns at length, especially the map-making process, the challenge procedure, and whether the bill sufficiently protects workers and customers who could be left behind. The author said the bill includes a 10-year backstop if service is lost, a CPUC-led process, and a three-to-one fiber buildout requirement tied to relinquishment, and expressed willingness to continue working with labor on workforce language. The committee ultimately passed AB 470 on a 7-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• That does actually bring me to a good point is that, uh, I've been working with the broadband development
• That being said, the reason why I'm here is that there is an ongoing broadband development project in
• Uh, broadband development was a cool thing in the legislature.
• With the Broadband Development Office. He is the director.
• Um, Greg Conte, director of the Broadband Development Office here as a witness testifying neutral on

Transcript Highlights:

• The Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband will come to order.
• Who's providing broadband?
• has developed.
• You now look to the national agency that examines broadband.
• As I said before, our broadband office has adopted the FCC standard for what is considered broadband

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even with home broadband services, Yet more people than ever have cell phones and home broadband.
• Even with home broadband services, consumers are cutting the cord with landline broadband connections
• Once they've deployed broadband into that community...
• We're not mandating the broadband.
• broadband jobs.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition. CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist. In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• INFRASTRUCTURE IS SIMILAR TO THE BROADBAND OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
• HOMES AND BUSINESSES THAT NOW HAVE ACCESS TO BROADBAND RELIABLE SERVICE.
• FLORIDA DOESN'T JUST HAVE A RURAL BROADBAND PROBLEM.
• AGAIN, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF BROADBAND.
• APPRECIATE THE AGAIN, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF BROADBAND.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet, more people than ever have cell phones and home broadband.
• Even with home broadband services, consumers are cutting the cord with landline broadband connections
• Broadband, which is how most landline calls are carried today.
• You could pay a modest price for broadband, $60, or $30.
• broadband jobs. jobs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development for Wednesday,
• overview from the Office of Broadband overview from the Office of Broadband Development,<00:42:08.640
• <00:42:41.680> Development<00:42:42.560> at the Office of Broadband Development at
• We'll move to the next slide, and that's the Office of Broadband Development.
• meet the office of broadband meet the office of broadband development.<00:44:32.319> So,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll wrap up on Broadband Day.
• President, $12 million for the expansion of broadband.
• And in the 14 or so years that I've been working on this, we've moved broadband, high-speed broadband
• children at risk for development delays and disabilities.
• It strengthens the development. a co-pay system, codifying the assistance, it strengthens the development

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Broadband projects federally funded Broadband projects<00:22:58.600> we<00:22:58.720> stand
• in its development.
• in its development.
• Information officer because Broadband Information officer because Broadband has<00:26:32.480>
• It's going to exclude the development of broadband infrastructure for provision of retail service.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development is now in session.
• that we can make that work when we have a state Office of Broadband Development.
• Individual municipal franchises will add more work on the Office of Broadband Development, who's working
• <02:37:51.760> The office of broadband development. The office of broadband development.
• more work on the office of broadband more work on the office of broadband development<02:38:06.399

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But too many Americans still lack access to broadband.
• We need to reform the broadband permitting process.
• As a result, broadband developers report That deploying fiber in rural areas can take an average of 5
• The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act addresses these concerns by requiring NTIA to develop a
• The Rural Broadband Protection Act Requires the FCC to establish a process for upfront vetting of broadband

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To do, and I always talk about this and I say if you have broadband, you don't think about broadband;
• But if you don't have broadband, you acutely are aware that you don't have broadband because you can't
• So we are continuing to develop those.
• It would be the Office of Broadband. Digital equity. Thank you.
• Development that has to happen.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're hearing AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta related to broadband pricing and speed data.
• So we're hearing AB1271 by Assembly Member Bonta related to broadband pricing and speed data.
• and Digital Equity and the Broadband and Digital Equity Commission.
• From what I observed within the current structure of our broadband programs, there are three...
• So the idea is that you take the telecommunication broadband division of the CPUC and the CDT, the broadband

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary. The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions. Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is broadband, is hard-wired broadband, the solution for the Cape when you have Starlink and it's 15 competitors
• act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers.
• As others have said, broadband is no longer a luxury.
• So that’s the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.
• So I'm on the Broadband Committee in Shrewsbury.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• On today's agenda, we're going to be hearing from the DEED Office of Broadband Development and also from
• On today's agenda, we're going to be hearing from the DEED Office of Broadband Development and also from
• shifted gears to the Office of Broadband Development.
• She said her name was Bri Mai, and she served as the executive director at the Office of Broadband Development
• She said that last year they celebrated 10 years of the Office of Broadband Development, and they also

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You want to get broadband into the hands of low-income people? Let's go do it.
• The last thing, just the broadband funding in the bipartisan infrastructure law.
• Talk about your support for broadband.
• Broadband out to people and give you the benefit of the bargain.
• Again, Otter Ponds is what their broadband funding went to.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's worked to ensure broadband funds are directed.
• Trustee, let's talk about the plan for broadband.
• And so I think the Plan for Broadband Act is the key to the solution.
• but more clarity behind the shortfall in broadband inequities.
• the cost of broadband deployment.

Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement

Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• now responsible for broadband access and development in the state.
• The broadband office also has a similar broadband access and development reporting requirement to OPDP
• For example, given that there is now an agency focused on broadband access and development, the legislature
• My question is on the broadband issue.
• of revenue that's dedicated to low-income housing development.

Summary: The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900. The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements. The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding. The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.