Cybersecurity, Internet Access, Emerging Tech Will Be Main Focuses Of Comms & Tech

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/07/2025) The House Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), will focus on safeguarding Michigan’s digital infrastructure, expanding high-speed internet access, and responsible development of emerging technology like artificial intelligence this term.

Cybersecurity kicked off the first substantive committee meeting, with Jayson Cavendish of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget giving a presentation before the topic moved to internet accessibility, with Jayshona Hicks and Eric Frederick of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity presenting.

Greene said that just as it is important to have water piped to people’s houses or sewage piped out of houses, it is also important for houses with electricity and a phone to have internet access.

On artificial intelligence, Greene said the emerging technology can make processes and systems more efficient when implemented properly.

Greene said she wants to make sure the government has a light touch on technology, and she wants Michigan to be a sandbox that program developers can use without fear that the government will censor it or get in the way of its growth.

Greene said she doesn’t see a lot of legislation coming through her committee now that it’s a standalone committee and no longer combined with energy, and she’s not anticipating many tech bills besides her own.

Three bills pertaining to cryptocurrency, HB 4085, HB 4086, and HB 4087 , sponsored by Reps. Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), have been referred to Greene’s committee. She said she needs to discuss with leadership and the caucus about whether to take up the bills because she wants to be cautionary considering the unconstitutionality of states coining their own currency.