Communications and Technology

Task Force Description

With nearly 200 members representing all parts of the country and every segment of industry, the Communications and Technology Task Force believes that constant, dynamic innovation in communications and technology presents numerous complexities that defy traditional public policy prescriptions. To help policymakers understand the changes underway in the 21st century economy, the Task Force brings together state legislators, private industry, and policy experts to develop public policies that will promote economic growth, freedom of technology, and innovation in the states.

Areas of focus for the Task Force include: 1) broadband deployment and adoption; 2) protecting consumer choice in privacy; 3) promoting new forms of e-commerce; and 4) growing the high-tech sector of the economy. Additionally, the Task Force has established five subcommittees to thoroughly investigate topics of interest to the states. These subcommittees are: Broadband; E-Commerce; Information Technology; Innovation; and Consumer Protection, Critical Infrastructure, and Security Technologies.

Meeting Information

Thursday, Dec. 4

1:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Call to Order, Approval of the Prior Meeting’s Minutes, Introductions, and Task Force Announcements

Subcommittee Report

Discussion: Free Speech Online / Laying Groundwork for an Updated Statement of Principles

Discussion: Federal AI Action Plan and Data Center Investments in Texas

Discussion: Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property

Discussion: Broadband Policy Update

Consideration of New Model Policies

Statement of Principles on the Protection of Critical Communications Infrastructure
Market Uniformity Act
An Act to Require Telephone Solicitors to Use the Reassigned Numbers Database

Amendments to Existing Model Policies

Amendments to the Universal Regulatory Sandbox Act
Amendments to Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Resolution
Amendments to Resolution in Support of Non-Discriminatory Property Tax Policies on Communications Networks

Renewal of Existing Model Policies

Targeted Regulatory Sandbox Act

Draft Policies

All Model Policies

Amendments to Resolution in Support of Non-Discriminatory Property Tax Policies Draft

See Amendments Here WHEREAS, American consumers have come to rely on high speed communications networks constructed by communications providers to improve their overall quality of life including in the areas of healthcare, education, business, emergency services, and other purposes; and WHEREAS, communications providers must make sizeable investments to keep…
Amendments to Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Resolution Draft

See Amendments Here WHEREAS, the American Legislative Exchange Council (“ALEC”) has a foundational and principled history of fighting against excessive, multiple, discriminatory and inconsistent taxation while promoting private sector competitiveness and states’ rights in taxation or non-taxation of goods and services; and WHEREAS, digital goods and services include, but…
Act to Require Telephone Solicitors to Use the Reassigned Numbers Database Draft

Section 1. {Definitions} “Reassigned numbers database” means a database created and maintained by the Federal Communications Commission that identifies whether a telephone number has been reassigned. Section 2. {Prohibitions} Telephone solicitation violations. It is a violation of this section for a telephone…
Marketplace Uniformity Act Draft

Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the term “online marketplace” means a person or entity that does both of the following: Provides for consideration, regardless of whether the consideration is deducted as a fee from the transaction, an online application, software, website,…
Statement of Principles on the Protection of Critical Communications Infrastructure Draft

WHEREAS, between June 2024 and June 2025, the U.S. communications sector suffered 15,540 reported theft, vandalism, or sabotage incidents disrupting service for over 9.5 million customers nationwide; WHEREAS, these disruptions impose societal costs—borne primarily by consumers and communities—estimated between $38 million and $188 million during…
Amendments to Universal Regulatory Sandbox Model Act Draft

See Amendments Here Purpose: This proposal modiﬁes provisions related to the (INSERT RELEVANT STATE AGENCY) and allows businesses, under the observation of regulators, to trial innovative products, services, and business models while temporarily bypassing laws or regulations that may conﬂict. Section 1. State’s Open Records Provisions. ●…

+ All Communications and Technology Model Policies

Issues

Task Forces

Policy Centers