Hawaii Digital Equity Bill Advances in Senate

A Hawaii digital equity bill cleared two Senate committees at a joint meeting Thursday. The Commerce Committee voted 6-0 and Ways and Means voted 11-0 for SB-2076, which would define broadband equity, clarify the state broadband office’s equity duties and provide funding for staff. Also that day, the House Finance Committee voted 14-0 to pass HB-1980 to permit but not require Medicaid, health insurers and others to cover telephonic behavioral health services.