Calif. Legislators Advance Broadband Bills

A California Assembly panel cleared a broadband bill to extend until Jan. 1, 2028, California High-Cost Fund A and B programs, set to expire Jan. 1. The Communications Committee voted 11-0 Wednesday to refer SB-857 to the Appropriations Committee. It passed in the Senate last month (see 2205240048). Also, the panel voted 11-0 to clear SB-717 requiring a report including sections on barriers to broadband deployment on government-owned structures, private and public lands and buildings and public rights of way. It would also seek recommendations on improving access and speeding deployment for tribes, low-income customers and underserved communities. The bill goes next to the Natural Resources Committee. The Senate Communications Committee voted 13-0 Wednesday to advance AB-2702 to the Appropriations Committee. The Assembly-passed bill would set a goal for the California Advanced Services Fund public housing account to provide internet connectivity to all public housing residents by Dec. 31, 2025 (see 2205260012).