Va. Robocalls, Railroad Bills Pass

Virginia lawmakers passed telecom bills on robocalls and railroads. The Senate voted 40-0 Tuesday for HB-1504 to require the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to report by Nov. 1 on unwanted calls and texts, with recommendations on allowing consumers to opt out. The House unanimously passed the bill earlier this month. The House voted 99-0 Tuesday to pass SB-1029 protecting railroads from broadband construction interference. The Senate passed the measure Jan. 31. The House on Monday concurred with Senate changes to the similar HB-1752, which passed the Senate Feb. 16 and the House Feb. 6 (see 2302070059).