Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 924 relates to the entities that provide cable services.
• The first is this bill would prohibit us from collecting franchise fees related to cable service.
• The legislation would allow existing cable providers to reposition their cable services.
• If we just lose the cable franchise— Fee as a result of that bill.
• Todd Baxter representing the Texas Cable Association.

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• cables.
• we've actually conducted previous rounds and open those up for all wire technologies, whether it's fiber-optic
• A cable franchise fee is an annual fee charged by local governments to a private cable television company
• on... ...on your cable television revenues.
• sign up for cable service.

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out House Bill 4055 by Chair Metcalf, relating to accepting certain fiber optic cable
• You'll actually see it on your bill if you look at your cable.
• So that's $261,000, about $262,000 to lay fiber.
• I need to lay fiber optics or do something else to the roadbed.
• I contend that cable companies don't pay the 5%.

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• State Treasurer for distribution to the city of Apache Junction for the expansion of broadband and fiber
• optic networks.

Bills: HB2065, HB2066, HB2071, HB2106, HB2237, HB2258

Keywords: appropriation, housing, Apache Junction, affordable housing, rehabilitation, blight abatement, broadband, fiber optic, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, rural development, workforce hub, health services, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, HB2258, Arizona tourism

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development met briefly, adopted its committee rules, and heard several bills focused largely on Apache Junction, La Paz County, broadband, transportation, and rural economic development. HB 2258 would add La Paz County to Area 4 for representation on the Tourism Advisory Council and was described as correcting an omission; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2065 appropriates $9.5 million for Apache Junction housing infrastructure, rehabilitation, and blight abatement; members discussed statewide housing shortages and the need for targeted rural-adjacent investment, and the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered HB 2066, which appropriates $8 million for broadband and fiber optic expansion in Apache Junction. The sponsor emphasized rural connectivity and safety concerns, especially for the Navajo Nation and students, and expressed openness to federal BEAD funding and amendments; the bill passed 6-1. HB 2106, an emergency measure to direct undistributed county transportation excise tax revenues to ADOT for Pinal County road projects, was explained as a way to use escrowed funds for the voters’ intended purpose after litigation over the tax; it passed unanimously 7-0. Finally, HB 2071 would appropriate $15.5 million for a rural business and workforce hub, infrastructure revitalization, and a rural health and community services facility in Apache Junction. Members discussed whether the proposal should be broadened to other rural areas and the need for accountability and possible amendments, including for the Navajo Nation; it passed 6-1. The chair noted that one remaining bill would be held for the next agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Executive Director of the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communication Commission and CCX Media.
• Community cable television is different from public television in that we are hyper-local.
• For 45 years, community television has been funded by cable franchise fees and... PEG fees.
• cut cable in favor of streaming services.
• I've been paying franchise fees on my cable bill for, I don't know how long; it could be decades.

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• As each person moves away from cable television, traditional cable television, to streaming, our revenue
• each person moves away from cable each person moves away from cable television<01:10:56.719>
• traditional<01:10:57.199> cable<01:10:57.520> television television traditional cable
• helped ensure the buildout of cable helped ensure the buildout of cable infrastructure<01:14:53.440
• c><01:15:09.840> of as residents cut Cable in favor of as residents cut Cable in favor of streaming

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• And maybe undersea fiber optic cables are a big deal in his district.
• And maybe undersea fiber optic cables are a big deal in his district.
• And maybe undersea fiber optic cables are a big deal in his district.
• And maybe undersea fiber optic cables are a big deal in his district.
• And maybe undersea fiber optic cables are a big deal in his district.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Criminals vandalizing fiber-optic cables also negatively affect communities because fiber-optic and copper
• Criminals will cut fiber-optic cable in search of copper and telecommunications lines.
• That's what we're talking about is the optic cable, and everything in the end, of course, everything
• And the other important point was we talked a lot about fiber optics, and fiber optics contain no copper
• And it's my assumption that AT&T is moving more toward fiber optics and away from the copper.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on several bills dealing with criminal discovery, crime lab access, controlled substances, community supervision, interference with officers, oilfield theft, and copper theft. On SB 1124, witnesses split over whether the bill clarified discovery law after the Heath decision or rolled back the Michael Morton Act; opponents argued it narrowed disclosure and shifted responsibility away from prosecutors, while supporters said it restored balance, limited harsh sanctions, and preserved exculpatory-disclosure duties. The committee later voted 4-0 to report SB 1124 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and later reported favorably SB 1372, which resolves a statutory conflict over access to the DPS crime lab portal, and SB 1936, which changes how LSD “abuse units” are defined for testing and charging purposes; both were sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1937, which would require a subject-matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence, was also reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 552, which would make people defined in the bill as “illegal aliens” ineligible for judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision, including deferred adjudication. Supporters said the bill would prevent state-funded early release of people who entered or remained in the country unlawfully, while county officials and immigration advocates warned it would be overbroad, difficult to administer, and costly to local jails and taxpayers. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to report SB 552 favorably, and Senator Huffman requested it be taken to the floor. On SB 1208, which increases interference with a peace officer or public official from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, law enforcement witnesses said repeat “auditors” and similar actors were creating dangerous confrontations and needed stronger deterrence; opponents argued the bill would chill protected filming and protest activity. The committee voted to report SB 1208 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also took testimony on SB 1806, a committee substitute addressing oilfield theft and related crimes. Supporters from law enforcement and the oil and gas industry said organized theft of crude, equipment, and related materials is a growing problem and that the bill would strengthen penalties, allow seizure and sale of stolen product, and improve inspection and forensic tools. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 1646, which targets copper theft and fiber vandalism by increasing penalties, requiring reporting and recordkeeping for certain purchases, and adding training and enforcement tools. Telecommunications, law enforcement, and emergency-network witnesses supported the bill as necessary to protect 9-1-1 and critical infrastructure, while metal recyclers warned the bill could overregulate legitimate businesses and sweep too broadly. The committee later voted to report the committee substitute for SB 1646 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Criminals vandalizing fiber optic cables also negatively affect communities.
• Because fiber optic and copper cables often run parallel to one another, criminals will cut fiber optic
• That's what we're talking about: the optic cable.
• Optics and fiber optics contain no copper.
• TNT is moving more towards fiber optic and away from copper.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:06.560> or<00:02:06.799> cables<00:02:07.200> to expensive to run fiber
• or cables to expensive to run fiber or cables to homes<00:02:07.759> and<00:02:08.000> businesses
• <00:02:45.280> optic<00:02:45.599> lines<00:02:46.000> and of way to bury fiber
• optic lines and of way to bury fiber optic lines and ISPs<00:02:46.959> do<00:02:47.120> not
• do not have apartments wired for cable do not have apartments wired for cable or<00:02:56.959>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And when you say the term, you know, destruction of critical infrastructure or damage of fiber optic
• cable, that can take out anywhere... ...and cut down, say, a fiber optic cable, that can take out anywhere
• Comcast uses fiber optic cable.
• Thieves rip the fiber cable off of poles with trucks, destroying thousands of feet of line and leaving
• Nobody can distinguish between power cables or copper phone lines or coax cables or fiber cables when

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• optic cable projects from certain notice requirements for projects on state or local public land.
• Um, city residents with cable currently pay a 5% franchise fee for the cable to be located in the cities
• That's right, I didn't say that cable companies pay a 5% franchise fee.
• You'll actually see it on your bill if you look at your cable bill.
• optics or do something else, uh, to the roadbed.

Transcript Highlights:

• not anti-fiber optics, we want broadband.
• So I'm not, so it's the installation of the fiber optic cable that I'm talking about as causing an issue
• optic cable.
• They want, they want to get out in as much fiber optic cable as they can.
• And there's no way that they can install fiber optic cable over 567 miles.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to make sure you all understand, we are not anti-fiber optics.
• When they install fiber optic, there's a lot of digging.
• So it's the installation of the fiber optic cable that I'm talking about as causing...
• optic cable they want to they want to get out in as much fiber optic cables they can, they'll call in
• And that's because a lot of the fiber optics are coming through.

Bills: HB206, HB 1285, HB1335, HJR107, HB206

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, HB 1285, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, drones, unmanned aircraft, UAS, drone inspections, oil and gas, pipeline inspection, surface mining, well sites, tank batteries, disposal wells, injection sites, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Building out fiber is very expensive, as Mr. Johnston noted.
• We are in the middle of an upgrade of $1.3 million to maintain and sustain these fiber optic networks
• We are in the middle of an upgrade of $1.3 million to maintain and sustain these fiber optic networks
• $250 million worth of fiber network in Massachusetts.
• It makes very good sense in general for third-party cable TV companies who want to add their cable systems

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:

• And to a certain extent, what you see when you look at DSL cable fiber is an evolution of how broadband
• In any case, back to the table, cable has a lot of capacity, fiber even more. Capacity.
• Um, consider the equivalent of fiber or cable in terms of providing high quality broadband.
• provided by cable and fiber, are a little bit more cost effective, they're more cost-effective.
• We currently have over 17 million fiber optic and uh strand miles across the state and have invested

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, at Drone Crucible, the tethered drones where they have a small fiber optic cable.
• The tethered drones where they have a small fiber optic cable, where they can control that drone without
• And it was basically a coffee can for a very fine fiber wire that controls it.

Summary: The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners. Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• more than 18.5 strand miles of fiber.
• When we do get requests like that, for instance, the fiber optics, the only way that we can do that is
• At the same time, we have had those with fiber optics just lately as a reason I mention those.
• optic cable. or you know somebody's putting in a fence or Aunt Martha wants to put a tree in the backyard
• Every day in Texas, thousands of excavation projects are conducted. for pipeline installation, fiber-optic

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as far as public safety, all carriers, cable companies, fiber companies, wireline companies, and wireless
• So as far as public safety, all carriers, cable companies, fiber companies, wireline companies, wireless
• Voice services run over wire, wired fiber, and are cable as well as wireless signals.
• , it does require a company to upgrade its networks with fiber optics by investing a portion of those
• single communications network from Starlink to fixed wireless to fiber to the home to cable even, all

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:

• make the fiber work.
• It is a wired connection, whether that be through HFC, which is hybrid fiber cable, or through just fiber
• <01:29:30.239> fiber fiber cable or through just fiber fiber cable or through just fiber deployments
• You've got to have a fiber optic line in the ground to all these rural locations?
• <01:37:45.360> is bigger fiber the thing about fibers is bigger fiber the thing about fibers

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met for an introductory session to begin the new legislative session. Members and staff went around the table introducing themselves and describing their agricultural backgrounds, including farming, livestock, crop production, county government, and related research or staff roles. Chair Paul Anderson emphasized agriculture’s importance to Minnesota’s budget and economy, welcomed new members and staff, and noted that the committee would have a full agenda. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Extension, and the Forever Green initiative on the GREE program (Agricultural Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer). Testimony described GREE as a state investment created in 2015 to support agricultural productivity and growth through research, education, extension, and technology transfer. Speakers highlighted its broad focus areas, including crop and livestock genetics, soil health, water quality, nutrient management, microbial science, agroecological innovation, and technology stewardship, as well as rapid-response funding for emerging issues such as waterhemp, PRRS, and avian influenza. University witnesses said the program has brought in faculty and extension educators, generated sponsored research awards, and leveraged state funding into additional grants and contracts. They cited a reported roughly 12-to-1 return on investment and said the state has invested about $39 million since 2015. They also noted additions such as a deep winter greenhouse program and a tribal representative on the advisory group. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.