As we celebrated the passing of 2013 into 2014, several new laws passed in the last legislative session took effect on Jan. 1. Here are some technology-related laws that are now active:
Electronic Textbooks
Assembly Bill 133, by Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, requires that all publishers who sell print textbooks to K-8 and 9-12 school districts in the State of California also provide the textbooks in a digital format that is compatible to use on e-readers. Additionally, any student who owns an e-reader device and opts for the digital format of the textbook must be provided one by their respective district in lieu of a print textbook. According to Hagman, the legislation infuses technology into the learning process and allows educators to teach children with the best resources available to them. Any new instructional material submitted to school board after Jan. 1 will have to provide an equivalent digital format.
Broadband Expansion
Senate Bill 740, by Senator Alex Padilla, D-Van Nuys, authorizes the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) to collect $90 million more in an intrastate telecom surcharge collected by the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for broadband expansion in areas with no broadband or very slow broadband. CASF funds were previously only going to be collected through 2015, but this bill would allow the CPUC to collect the CASF funds until 2020 in order to subsidize broadband projects in unserved or underserved California regions. It expands eligibility for the CASF funds from telephone corporations and wireless companies to others under some circumstances. The goal is to have funding to provide broadband access to at least 98 percent of Californians by Dec. 31, 2015. The bill took effect immediately when it was passed on Oct. 3.
Assembly Bill 1299 by Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, authorizes the CPUC to award CASF grants "to encourage deployment and adoption of high–quality advanced communications services" for those who reside in publicly supported housing communities in urban regions. AB 1299 relies on SB 740 for funding, and also took effect immediately when it was passed on Oct. 3.
Online Voter Registration — State Websites
Senate Bill 44, by Senator Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, requires that all official state websites contain a link to the online voter registration page of the Secretary of State.
Wireless Shutdowns
Senate Bill 380, by Senator Alex Padilla, D-Van Nuys, forbids a shut-down of wireless communications unless by a warrant or due to an emergency situation. The bill was written in response to the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) shutting down wireless service during a public protest in August 2011. The bill requires that any shutdown that is required would be narrowed specifically so that 911 calls and freedom of speech is not infringed. The bill will remain in effect until Jan. 1, 2020, unless another bill is passed to change the deadline.
Earthquake Early Warning System
Senate Bill 135, by Senator Alex Padilla, D-Van Nuys, establishes an earthquake early warning system. Collaborators on this system include the California Institute of Technology, the California Geological Survey, the University of California and the United States Geological Survey. The system will include field sensors, central processing and notification centers and distribution paths to the public. The Office of Emergency Services must file with the Secretary of State identifying funding by Jan. 1, 2016.
California Innovation Hub Program
Assembly Bill 250, by Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, will create the California Innovation Hub Program within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The program will help the office operate the iHubs, which will help small technology and business startups retain jobs, increase profits and secure financing. The bill also establishes the Innovation Accelerator Account within the California Economic Development Fund in the State Treasury, which will deposit gifts and donations in the iHub Accelerator Fund.
