Thanks to the Fairbault News for making it so easy to share any technology-related bills that took effect yesterday (July 1). I’ve talked a lot about the first – not as much about the smartphone issues, but wanted to add them as a heads up anyway…

Jobs and economic development

The biggest ticket item in this portion of the law is $20 million in one-time money for grants to improve broadband connectivity in the state. The money will be available until June 30, 2017. As part of the broadband effort, the law creates the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program to expand services in unserved or underserved parts of the state.

Smartphones

Manufacturers will have until July 1, 2015 to equip phones with an antitheft function. All phone dealers must keep a written record of each acquisition.

The law also requires a dealer to install and operate video cameras positioned to record the face of used cell phone sellers, and the date and time.

Smartphones manufactured after July 1, 2015, that are bought or sold in Minnesota must be equipped with antitheft functionality or capable of downloading that functionality, at no cost to the buyer.