Policy

The Senate Commerce Committee will mark up the long-delayed legislation before Congress’ recess in August, Chair Maria Cantwell said. The markup of a House version was canceled last month, but it retains support, she said.

Plus, the FCC is taking steps to update broadband data collection, more states have had their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, Oakland got a grant to expand broadband infrastructure, and more.

The question is front of mind for U.S. influencers and many small businesses as lawmakers threaten to ban the Chinese-owned social media app that's become a cornerstone of Internet culture and e-commerce.

A unanimous vote Tuesday by the Common Council barred new cryptocurrency mining operations from the northern New York city for the next two years. The ban on new enterprises follows resident complaints about an existing facility.

The House Appropriations Committee recently approved a bill that would eliminate $2.19 billion in federal funding for the professional development of teachers, principals and school leaders.

Officials in Middletown, N.J., have proposed a policy banning smartphone use in classrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms and most spaces outside of high school free periods, as a statewide ban is discussed.

Wyoming schools must create their own policies with respect to artificial intelligence, but the state is encouraging them to use it to free up time for teachers to focus on instruction and bring students up to speed.

From abolishing the U.S. Department of Education to cutting Title I funding and certifying teachers based on ideology, a controversial proposal from a conservative think tank would upend public education nationwide.

A new bill offers grant funding to purchase smartphone bags for schools that prohibit the use of cellphones during the school day. A statewide prohibition on student cellphone use during school is also in the works.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul inched toward a statewide ban on smartphones in schools, launching a “listening tour” that would span the state, aiming to hear from teachers and parents.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee announced the group’s membership, and that he would host its inaugural gathering, on Friday. Members will assess the risks and opportunities in artificial intelligence.

The new council, chaired by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, held its inaugural gathering at the end of June, six months after it was announced. The group may create committees to get more heavily involved in day-to-day operations.

Still in committee as part of the Kids Off Social Media Act, Eyes on the Board aims to tie E-rate funding to the restriction of social media access on any school networks supported by these federal funds.

With drivers buying less gas, delivery truck fees can provide funding for highways, bridges, tunnels, electric vehicle charging stations and projects to reduce air pollution and to electrify vehicle fleets.

A new document from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction lists AI tools for educators as well as advice for administrators, aiming to serve as a springboard for schools to set up their own policies and programs.

The Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy at the Utah Department of Commerce has opened roughly four months after its creation. It will explore the most effective methods of AI regulation and guide development of responsible policies.

A proposal set for a vote Wednesday in the House of Representatives would ban “data brokering” firms from selling, leasing, trading or renting location data. Consumer consent would be required before collection or processing.

Proposed legislation approved in the Pennsylvania State Senate would give school districts money for lockable pouches to store student phones if those districts ban cell phone use during the school day.