Georgia lawmakers seek to improve internet connectivity in residences in rural areas, which has been a challenge for many people during the pandemic.

Governor Brian Kemp announced earlier that homes and companies in 70 counties across the state of Georgia would get a total of $400 million to improve internet access and speed.

According to a WRBL report, part of the funds will come from the American Rescue Plan act.

The funding will be used to construct towers, add cable lines, and broaden internet access in areas without online access. According to state lawmakers, it will help adults who need telehealth and children cope better with virtual learning.

In 2021, applications for the grant money were submitted to the Broadband Infrastructure Committee, prioritizing those underserved and un-served communities.

According to State Senator Dr. Ben Watson, it is not fair for children in the urban areas to have internet access while those in the rural areas do not at times. He believes that the measure "would make it an even playing field."

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Safe Internet for Minors Pushed by Lawmakers, Groups

Meanwhile, Georgia lawmakers moved two measures that aim to restrict public school students' access to obscene or inappropriate materials and online content.

On Thursday, a House Education panel approved House Bill 1217, which expands Georgia's requirements to ban schoolchildren from using school computers or internet networks to access information that is hazardous to minors. It is now up to the full committee to take action on it.

The House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed Senate Bill 226 on a split vote a day earlier. The proposal seeks to create a process for parents to demand the removal of books and other materials. It moves forward for consideration by the full House.

The internet filtering bill requires Georgia's Department of Education to publish standards yearly that will serve as guidelines for districts in using internet filters that would block online content that is obscene and harmful to minors, as per News Channel 9.

It also requires the use of notification systems that will inform district personnel when a school computer or network is utilized to access inappropriate content.

Technical support, a list of eligible vendors, and training guidelines for school districts would also be required from the state. Starting in the fall of 2022, each school district or charter school would be required to present an annual copy of its acceptable use policy and filtering systems to the state for evaluation.

Internet Filter Bill To Protect Families

Republican lawmaker Chris Erwin of Homer, the sponsor of the bill, said that the "technology-based bill" is meant "to serve" families and "to protect those youngest learners," as per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution report.

Some advocates show their support for the bill as some local schools reportedly fail to take action on parents' complaints.

Taylor Hawkins of Frontline Policy Action, a conservative group, said that several schools "have shut down parents' concerns" with hearing their sides on the issues of the young students' access to inappropriate materials.

But according to opponents, once it becomes a law, book titles with topics preparing teenagers for adulthood, such as racism, sexuality, or violence, will be banned.

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