For 25 years, the Jersey Access Group (JAG) has kept a watchful eye on bills both nationally and statewide that might be an issue for our municipalities and PEG channels throughout New Jersey. But, JAG really started to be legislatively wise in 2011 when JAG mobilizes its membership within 24 hours to combat state legislation that would eliminate the requirements for telecom providers to care about or support community media.

Last month became an active one for us, but now Congress is dealing with other issues and everything else has slowed down a-bit. So, instead of discussing actions being taken in either our federal or state governments, we are turning our attention to New Jersey for a more in-depth discussion and perspective on what is going on with all legislation and broadband deployment in the Garden State, along with technology backed by acts to aid in emergency situations.

February has seen significant legislative activity concerning telecommunications. The introduction of H.R. 278, the Broadband Leadership Act, proposes accelerated siting processes with minimal local oversight. Experts highlight concerns over diminishing local authority in telecommunications. A panel on diversity in the sector emphasized that equity measures must align with existing laws and principles.

New Jersey municipalities can access federal broadband improvement funds by mapping underserved areas and applying for resources. At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, experts emphasized the importance of local input in the funding process. Communities must ensure accurate maps to secure funding by the 12/31/24 deadline, focusing on digital equity and accessibility.

New Jersey municipalities can access federal broadband improvement funds by mapping underserved areas and applying for resources. At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, experts emphasized the importance of local input in the funding process. Communities must ensure accurate maps to secure funding by the 12/31/24 deadline, focusing on digital equity and accessibility.

New Jersey municipalities can access federal broadband improvement funds by mapping underserved areas and applying for resources. At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, experts emphasized the importance of local input in the funding process. Communities must ensure accurate maps to secure funding by the 12/31/24 deadline, focusing on digital equity and accessibility.

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair

Because of its importance, I am going to bring up an article that we commented on last month. It is about the FCC’s Docket No. 05-231 *Closed Captioning of Video Programming Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. Petition for Rulemaking*.

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair

Because of its importance, I am going to bring up an article that we commented on last month. It is about the FCC’s Docket No. 05-231 *Closed Captioning of Video Programming Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. Petition for Rulemaking*.

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair

As the summer slowly winds down, movement in the Capitol is in full swing and the Legislative Committee is working hard to stay on top of the latest developments.