Tejas N. Narechania

@tnarecha.bsky.social

1225 Followers 520 Following

Professor of Law, UC Berkeley School of Law. "[A]cademic and informed commentator." Main interests, alphabetically: administrative law; federal courts; intellectual property; Internet & telecom. regulation. Publications: http://bit.ly/tnarecha

A screenshot from SSRN that reads: "The Federalist’s Dilemma: State AI Regulation & Pathways Forward. George Mason Law & Economics Research Paper No. 25-07."
A bobblehead of Professor Tejas Narechania, depicted in judicial robes, white and green Nike Air Force 1s, and holding a can of La Croix-brand grapefruit sparkling water.
New York Assemblymembers Amy Paulin and Steve Otis’ Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) sets an example that other states like Vermont (HB121) and Minnesota (SF3095) are already beginning to follow, with varying degrees of similarity. For example, California's AB353, introduced by Assemblymember Boerner, requires all ISPs, regardless of size, to offer low-cost plans. Massachusetts' SD1200, sponsored by State Senator Payano, and Maryland’s HB1553, sponsored by Delegate Fair, expand eligibility to households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line and raise minimum broadband speeds to match the FCC's definition (100/20 Mbps). Meanwhile, Connecticut's SB514 limits its requirements to ISPs contracting with the state. Other states, like Mississippi, are taking different approaches to ensure lower-income households can access affordable internet. HB217 establishes a low-cost broadband program mirroring the now-defunct ACP by using unspent COVID-era relief funds.