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Subject Matter Hearing on “Age Appropriate Design Code”
Last week, the Senate Judiciary held a subject matter hearing in Chicago. SB 1126 (Rezin) creates the “Illinois Age Appropriate Design Code” which is modeled on California legislation.
This California legislation is currently being challenged in court as an unconstitutional restriction on speech and as preempted by Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act. It is for these reasons that the Illinois Chamber has opposed bringing this language to Illinois. We’ve been joined in our opposition by numerous business and technology groups, including TechNet. Hat tip to Tyler for his testimony in opposition.
While I’m not bullish on the prospects for this bill, I have heard many whispers of similar, but more narrowly crafted bills, planned to be introduced by other sponsors early next session.
New Bills Filed
In preparation for the Upcoming Veto Session, I’ve reviewed every bill and resolution introduced since June 1st. Here are the notable ones:
HB 4131 (Harper) - Creates the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Act. Provides that a unit of local government shall not restrict which types of electric vehicles may access an electric vehicle charging station approved for passenger vehicles that both is publicly accessible and the construction of which was funded, at least in part, by the State or through moneys collected from ratepayers. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission, in consultation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to assess whether charging station infrastructure is disproportionately deployed by population density, geographical area, or population income level. Provides that the Commission shall facilitate the development of technologies that promote grid integration, explore policies that support the development of technologies, and adopt a tariff specific to heavy-duty electric vehicle fleets or electric trucks and buses.
SB 2587 (DeWitte) - Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county or municipality may undertake local broadband projects and the provision of services in connection with local broadband projects, may lease infrastructure that it owns or controls relating to local broadband projects or services, may aggregate customers or demand for broadband services, and may apply for and receive funds or technical assistance to undertake local broadband projects to address the level of broadband access available to its businesses and residents. Provides that, to the extent that it seeks to serve as a retail provider of telecommunications services, the county or municipality must obtain appropriate certification from the Illinois Commerce Commission as a telecommunications carrier. Provides that certification of a county or municipality serving as a retail provider of telecommunication services is an exclusive power and function of the State. Amends the Public Utilities Act to make a conforming change.
Annual Meeting A Success
Thank you to everyone that sponsored and/or attended our annual luncheon last week. We had a sold-out crowd with over 500 attendees. This event is our biggest of the year and we would not be able to advocate for pro-business policies without the success of events like last week. We hope to see you next year!
Rulemaking
No rulemaking of note in the past two weeks.
Happy Birthday BIPA Event
This Friday, the 15th birthday of BIPA, I’ll be speaking on a panel about BIPA and the potential for much needed reform. I’ll be joined by Jake Parker from the Security Industry Association. Also scheduled to speak is Congressman Bill Foster on the “Improving Digital Identity Act” and several industry CEOs.
The event will be held from 10-3 at the Security Innovation Hub in Chicago (1302 Kilbourn Ave). You can find more information HERE.
The event is free, but only open to the first 100 registrants. Register HERE.
Illinois Takes Next Step in Allocating $1B Federal Broadband Funds: BEAD Initial Proposal Open for Public Comment
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded $1 billion to Illinois in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding. Over the past year, the Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL)—a collaboration between the Illinois Office of Broadband and University of Illinois System— has increased capacity, sustaining outreach and engagement, and applying sophisticated analytics in preparation for the arrival of BEAD funds.
Early this summer, the IBL concluded a 54-stop statewide listening tour designed to engage Illinoisans on important aspects of broadband access and the digital divide.
In August, IBL submitted a data-driven, non-binding Connect Illinois Five-Year Action Plan to NTIA, which outlined the State’s priorities and goals for leveraging the BEAD funds.
On September 29, the Illinois Office of Broadband posted for public comment two components (or volumes) of its Initial Proposal for use of federal BEAD funds. Formal public comment will be accepted on both through an online portal open until 5pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Veto Session Dates
Veto Session will be here before you realize. Lawmakers announced the 2023 dates for October 24-26 and November 7-9. View the calendar here.
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