Conn., NY Legislators Float Net Neutrality Bills
Net neutrality bills surfaced in two Northeastern state legislatures. In Connecticut, Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D) Friday proposed HB-6155 to require ISPs with state contracts to adopt open-internet policies. It follows HB-5251, introduced Jan. 22, to require the Public Utilities Regulatory…
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Authority to require net neutrality. In New York, Senate Telecom Committee Chairman Kevin Parker (D) Thursday introduced a state-contracts net neutrality bill (SB-3308) that also creates a $250 million revolving fund for municipal ISPs. It’s like AB-1239, introduced Jan. 7. Assembly member Clyde Vanel (D) floated AB-3910 Thursday to bolster Public Service Commission ISP authority and require net neutrality. Assembly member Patricia Fahy (D) proposed a state-contract approach Wednesday in AB-3479, co-sponsored by Vanel and 30 other members. Other states with net neutrality bills this session include Missouri, Rhode Island and Texas. Some Democrats support state bills even with President Joe Biden and a new FCC, while others say they feel less pressure (see 2012080045).