How Connectivity Limited a Legislature’s Meetings & Hearings

Where: New Mexico

What connectivity issues does New Mexico have? lack of broadband and fiber. Residents within 10 minutes of the largest cities face connectivity issues as well as those in rural areas.

How has the connectivity issues impacted the Legislature?

• 1/3 of the usual number of interim hearings
• how to recognize legislators for questions during virtual hearings
• how to ensure video coverage of facial responses of legislators
• Operator issues such as
  • “legislators had trouble unmuting themselves to vote”
  • “sounds of sneezing and barking dogs”

How has the Legislature addressed some of these challenges? By offering 1 on 1 training for legislators by the legislature’s computer experts

Santa Fe New Mexican via Governing | New Mexico’s Legislative Activity Slowed by Bad Internet