Technology (Telecommunications)

This bill updates definitions and procedures for how the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority monitors telecommunications service quality. It clarifies terms like "facilities-based carrier" and "competitive service" to ensure consistent language when regulating different types of telecom providers. The authority must adopt and enforce quality-of-service standards covering customer complaints, service outages, and installation timeliness for all telecom and VoIP providers using state infrastructure. The law also requires the authority to include input from telecom employees, including union members, when developing monitoring methods. These changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

HB 5338 clarifies Connecticut's process for designating which telecommunications service providers can offer federal Lifeline benefits to eligible low-income households, individuals with disabilities (including those hard of hearing or speech impaired), and people in rural areas. It requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to determine which providers qualify to participate in the program and which customers meet eligibility criteria, based on factors like provider revenue in Connecticut. The bill ensures funding for Lifeline services - covering basic phone and internet access - comes from a fair share of telecommunications providers' gross revenues generated within the state. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, streamlining how Connecticut administers the federal program without altering benefit levels or eligibility rules.

SB 62 authorizes the state to issue bonds up to a specified amount to fund high-speed broadband improvements in rural areas. The proceeds will be distributed as grants by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to enhance and extend broadband internet and cellular service access. This bill directly affects rural communities by targeting funding to address connectivity gaps in underserved areas. It creates a mechanism for state financial support through bond issuance, with no specific dollar amount listed in the proposed text. The policy change focuses on expanding infrastructure access, not on regulatory or tax measures.

HB 5035 requires all public K-12 school districts in the state to ban students from using wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day, except for instructional purposes or specific exceptions. The law mandates devices be powered off and stored securely, with exceptions for students needing them under individualized education plans (IEPs) or for medical reasons approved by healthcare providers. It also prohibits access to social media during school hours unless for classroom instruction. School districts must create and share policies with parents about these rules, including emergency communication procedures and disciplinary steps for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.