Technology (Telecommunications)

died · Minnesota · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SF 4496: Telephone company regulation provisions modification

This bill modifies Minnesota telecommunications regulations to update rules for telephone companies, primarily affecting service providers and their customers. It clarifies requirements for law enforcement access to call information, simplifies reporting obligations for phone companies, and establishes discounted rates for schools and libraries through the federal E-rate program. The legislation also mandates that residential customers receive clear pricing notices for all available service options and allows companies to use electronic communication for these notices if customers opt in. Additionally, the bill repeals several outdated statutes related to public payphones and other legacy telecommunications provisions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens telecommunications regulations, clarifies law enforcement access rules, simplifies reporting obligations, and establishes discounted rates for schools and libraries, promoting digital equity and consumer protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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signed · Minnesota · House Aug 1, 2026

HF 4052: Various provisions governing telephone company regulation, facilities and property, pricing plans, service classification, and reporting requirements.

This bill updates Minnesota telecommunications regulations by clarifying rules for telephone companies, including requirements for law enforcement access to call information, annual reporting, and customer pricing notices. It directly affects telephone service providers and their customers by establishing clearer obligations for how companies must handle service requests, billing information, and compliance with federal universal service programs for schools and libraries. The legislation also repeals several outdated statutes related to public payphones and other legacy regulations to simplify the legal framework governing telephone services in the state.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens telecommunications regulations, clarifies consumer protections, and establishes clearer obligations for service providers regarding billing, service requests, and compliance with universal service programs for schools and libraries.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 24, 2025

SF 1860: False caller identification information prohibition provision and criminal penalties provision

SF 1860 prohibits telecommunications providers in Minnesota from displaying false caller identification information, such as fake names or numbers, to residents' phones. It requires telecom companies to annually block fraudulent calls for Minnesota subscribers at no cost, with specific exceptions for law enforcement, domestic violence shelters, and healthcare communications. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by fines up to $10,000 per incident, and affected subscribers can seek civil damages. The bill directly protects Minnesota residents from deceptive caller ID practices while imposing new obligations on telecom providers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits caller ID spoofing and mandates telecom fraud blocking, enhancing cybersecurity protections against deceptive practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · House Feb 17, 2025

HF 951: Sales and use tax exemption for telecommunications or pay television services machinery and equipment modified.

HF 951 modifies Minnesota's sales and use tax exemption for telecommunications and pay television service providers. The bill expands the existing exemption to explicitly include equipment purchased or leased by contractors or subcontractors working for these providers, clarifying that such purchases qualify for tax exemption. Key provisions define covered equipment broadly, including network hardware (routers, fiber, satellites), transportation tools (microwave equipment), and essential support systems (power supplies, HVAC). This change takes effect for transactions after June 30, 2025, directly affecting telecom and pay TV companies purchasing qualifying infrastructure.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemption for telecom equipment, reducing state sales tax revenue. Directly alters tax policy without fiscal responsibility justification, weakening tax collection.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands tax exemption for telecom equipment, reducing costs for providers and supporting infrastructure investment in telecommunications technology.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · House Feb 13, 2025

HF 394: Limits for contact tracing, digital contract tracing, immunizations, communicable disease testing, and the required disclosure of certain information established; destruction of certain data required; mandatory digital contact tracing by employers prohibited; and civil penalties provided.

HF 394 limits how health data can be collected and used during communicable disease outbreaks in Minnesota. It requires health departments to destroy certain disease reporting data within 90 days (or 30 days after an investigation ends) and prohibits mandatory digital contact tracing by employers or government entities. The bill mandates that digital contact tracing can only occur with voluntary consent and bans the collection of location or proximity data from wireless devices for contact tracing purposes. It directly affects Minnesotans whose health data might be collected during disease investigations and sets clear rules for data handling by health authorities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits mandatory health data collection and mandates data destruction, protecting patient privacy rights in healthcare contexts per bill's data privacy provisions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits mandatory digital contact tracing, bans location data collection, and mandates data destruction to protect health data privacy, aligning with data privacy safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 3, 2025

SF 868: Broadband grants used for fixed wireless broadband authorization and broadband mapping requirements clarification provision

SF 868 amends Minnesota law to allow state broadband grants to fund fixed wireless broadband projects, which were not explicitly covered under previous rules. It also updates broadband mapping requirements to require that maps include fixed wireless coverage, ensuring a more accurate public view of broadband availability across the state. This change directly affects broadband providers using fixed wireless technology and communities in underserved areas defined by the bill (where households lack 100/20 Mbps service). The bill clarifies existing programs without creating new funding, focusing on expanding eligibility for grants and improving data transparency for infrastructure planning.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllows state broadband grants for fixed wireless projects, expands access in underserved areas through updated mapping requirements95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 26, 2025

HF 2875: Crime of damage or theft to telecommunications equipment extended to broadband and cable services.

HF 2875 extends Minnesota's existing crime statute for damaging telecommunications equipment to specifically include broadband and cable services. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.593 by adding "broadband services" and "cable services" to the list of protected infrastructure, which previously covered only traditional telecommunications. This means intentional damage to equipment like routers, cables, fiber lines, or poles used for broadband or cable services would now be punishable under the same criminal penalties. The change directly affects individuals who damage such infrastructure, making these acts subject to criminal prosecution.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExtends criminal protection to broadband/cable infrastructure, safeguarding technology services from intentional damage.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 17, 2025

SF 1544: Moratorium to complete a study on the health, environmental, and economic effects of 5G technology imposition

This bill imposes a one-year moratorium on approving new 5G infrastructure permits (right-of-way and small wireless facility permits) to allow for a state study. It requires four state agencies to study 5G's health effects (using peer-reviewed research), environmental impacts, property value effects, and insurance needs for liability. The study must be completed and reported to the legislature by December 1, 2025. The moratorium does not affect existing 5G installations but stops new approvals during the study period.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates study of 5G's environmental impacts before new permits, requiring assessment to prevent potential harm, aligning with precautionary environmental protection.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyImposes 1-year moratorium on new 5G infrastructure permits to study potential impacts, restricting deployment until study completes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 27, 2025

SF 3095: Internet service providers requirement to provide low-cost broadband Internet to low-income Minnesotans

This bill requires Minnesota internet service providers to offer low-cost broadband to eligible low-income households. It mandates providers to offer 25 Mbps service for $15/month or 200 Mbps for $20/month to households receiving Minnesota Family Investment Program, SNAP, medical assistance, or LIHEAP benefits. Providers must report annually on enrollment, eligibility verification, advertising efforts, and service details to the commission. The law also requires equal contract terms (excluding price/speed) and promotes provider outreach to eligible customers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates low-cost broadband access for low-income households, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per technology policy indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 974: Equal Access to Broadband Act established, and provisions governing broadband services and broadband infrastructure modified.

HF 974, the Equal Access to Broadband Act, updates Minnesota's broadband laws by defining key terms like "broadband" (meeting FCC standards for high-speed internet), "underserved areas" (lacking 100/20 Mbps wired service), and "broadband infrastructure." The bill requires broadband providers to coordinate with local governments when placing infrastructure in public rights-of-way, including notifying them before installation to minimize future disruptions. It preserves local governments' authority to require franchises from broadband providers, while excluding electric cooperatives and satellite-only providers from these requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands broadband access by defining standards, targeting underserved areas, and requiring provider coordination with local governments for infrastructure deployment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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