AgdaPkt 2006-05-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Association, Califomia Chapter (APA) have no position. The realtors have removed their opposition and are now neutral based upon the April 17 amendments. The development/business community appears to be somewhat split, with the Building Industry Association (BIA) and California Chamber of Commerce opposed and some development interests opposed unless amended and wanting to continue discussions to find a workable solution. Environmental groups generally support the bill. AB 1899 passed the Assembly Local Government Committee this week and will be heard next in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Telecom in the News Online Retailers May Build Wireless Internet According to a recent story in The Inquirer, an online news site covering technology, online retailers Google, eBay and Amazon.com have considered building their own nationwide wireless Internet system iftelecos such as AT&T try to charge them for sending customers to their websites. If such a system were developed, it could take the Internet out of the hands of the U.S. telcos, which would be severely impacted by the loss of Voice over Internet Protocol (YoIP) and broadband accounts. To read the article, visit www,theinquirer,net and search for "Gooqle, eBay and Amazon May Build Their Own Internet" Barton Shielding Telecom Retonn Bill House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas) is taking steps to avoid having his telecommunications reform legislation referred to the Judiciary Committee. Barton and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman, Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, were cautious about accepting amendments to the legislation that would give jurisdiction to the Judiciary Committee. The Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 (COPE Act) will be heard in the Energy and Commerce Committee on April 26. To read the article, visit wwwnitecomupdate.com and search for "Barton Shieldinq Telecom Bill from House Judiciary PaneL" Editorial Speaks Out Against COPE Act An editorial in the April 17 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle expressed concern that the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 (COPE Act) would undercut Intemet access for citizens nationwide if it passed, calling the reform act "misguided." The editorial writer believes that among other things, the bill would hinder efforts by start-up providers to get into the Internet business. To read the editorial, visit www.sfQate.com and search for "Don't Undercut Internet Access." Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee - or Ask Leg Staff Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Leqislative Resources page (www.cacities.orQ/leqresources). You'll find a roster and contact information for the League's legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more. 8