The broadband task force created by a Kansas bill that took effect May 3, 2018, will meet for the first time Friday, Jan. 11, in the Statehouse in Topeka.

The task force faces a looming deadline. By law, it is required to submit to the Legislature "prior to Jan. 15, 2019," its initial report on its work and progress. The law even considered the possibility the task force could have all of its work completed before Jan. 15. If that didn't happen, the final report outlining recommendations should be submitted before Jan. 15, 2020, the law says.