Net Neutrality Tracker
Net Neutrality State Actions Tracker
Sherry Lichtenberg, Ph.D. and Kathryn Kline
Map last updated 10/1/18
The FCC Restoring Internet Freedom Order (In the Matter of Restoring Internet Freedom, Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, WC Docket 17-108) was released in December 2017 and published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2018. The Order redefines Broadband Internet Access Service (BIAS) as an information service, regulated under Title I of the Telecommunications Act, rescinding the Commission’s 2016 decision to oversee Internet service providers under Title II of the Act.
36 states have proposed or passed a resolution, bill, or executive order since the new rules were adopted. Six states, Hawaii, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, have addressed this change by issuing Executive Orders requiring companies wishing to contract with the State to confirm that they will meet the 2017 net neutrality requirements. Thirty states have proposed legislation reinstating the net neutrality rules or requiring state contractors to abide by them. Ten additional states initiated Resolutions supporting Net Neutrality principles. With the end of the legislative sessions, some of these bills were withdrawn or died in committee. This tool tracks these orders and the proposed legislation.
In addition, the mayors of 122 cities¹ and Santa Cruz County (CA) have pledged to require entities contracting with the city or using city services to adhere to Net Neutrality rules. For the full list of Net Neutrality cities as of 6/7/2018 see below.
For more details on state actions, see the list below. NRRI will update this page regularly to reflect changes until July 15, 2018. Please contact us at slichtenberg@nrri.org if you have questions or see any information that needs to be updated.
Alaska - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SJR12
Type: Resolution
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: Urging the United States Congress to overturn the Federal Communication Commission's order ending net neutrality.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 277
Type: Legislation
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: Internet service providers must adhere to net neutrality standards and publicly disclose network management practices, performance and commercial terms
State Utility Commission Involvement: none
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 246
Type: Legislation
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: An Act creating the Alaska Broadband Development Corporation; and relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Regulatory Commission of Alaska will designate the Alaska Broadband Development Corporation as an eligible telecommunications carrier
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 384
Type: Legislation
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: Amends AS 42.05.990(6) to add “broadband Internet access” as a service to be regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska
State Utility Commission Involvement: Increases the services regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HJR 31
Type: Resolution
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: Urges the United States Congress to overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s order ending net neutrality.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB160
Type: Legislation
Bill status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/16/2018
Description: An Act relating to the regulation of broadband Internet; and making certain actions by broadband Internet service providers unlawful acts or practices under the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
California
Citation: SR74
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Adopted 2/12/18
Description: California urges the United States Congress to intervene to protect net neutrality and codify its principles in statute
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last Updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB460
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Bill withdrawn, merged with SB 822
Description: Bill makes NN enforceable under existing consumer protection laws
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 6/27/2018
Citation: SB 822
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending; Hearing held 5/14/2018, passed Senate (5/30/2018), referred to Assembly; amended 6/11/2018, referred back to Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, 6/25/2018, referred to Committee on Appropriations, 6/26/2018; Passed Assembly 8/30/2018; Passed Senate 8/31/2018; signed by the Governor 9/30/2018. Effective January 1, pending litigation from DoJ.
Description: Amends existing Consumers Remedies Act, to establish net neutrality protections by regulating business practices to require net neutrality, conditioning state contracts on adhering to net neutrality, requiring net neutrality as part of cable franchise agreements, and as a condition to using the public right of way (01/04/17). The amended bill removes restrictions on “zero-rating,” a method of providing internet access without any costs under certain conditions, such as by only permitting access to certain websites or by subsidizing a company’s internet service with advertising. Allows paid prioritization and zero-rating if certain conditions are met. 6/11/2018 amendment removes AG investigatory and enforcement powers.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Amended 4/24 to remove CPUC oversight
Last updated: 10/1/2018
Citation: AB 1999
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: passed by senate and Assembly; sent to the governor for signature, 8/30/2018
Description: Allows municipalities and county service areas to provide municipal broadband. Municipal broadband systems must follow net neutrality rules.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last Updated: 8/30/2018
Colorado - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 1312
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass 4/23/2018
Description: Concerning the protection of the open internet, and, in connection therewith, disqualifying an internet service provider from receiving high cost support mechanism money or other money received to finance broadband deployment if the internet service provider engages in certain practices that interfere with the open internet and requiring an internet service provider that engages in such practices to refund any such money received.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/23/2018
Connecticut - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SB 2
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass 3/29/2018
Description: ISPs must register with PURA, apply NN standards
State Utility Commission Involvement: Require internet service providers operating in the state to register with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and pay an annual registration fee, to require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to apply net neutrality principles to Internet service providers in Connecticut and to require a civil penalty be imposed by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for failure of an Internet service provider to comply with such principles where each day in violation is a separate offense
Last updated: 4/4/2018
Citation: HB 5260
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 5/9/2018
Description: To require Internet service providers that are state contractors to adopt a net neutrality policy.
State Utility Commission Involvement:
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 336 (amended language here)
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Passed senate (5/4/2018); Did not pass; session adjourned 5/9/2018
Description: ISP providers shall register with the state, and regularly provide accurate information regarding network management practices, performance and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access services sufficient, as determined by the authority, for end users of such services to fully and accurately ascertain if the service is in compliance with standards established within the legislation.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The authority [Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority] shall receive and record complaints of any end user of broadband Internet access service within the state. Upon receipt of such complaints, the authority may, in its discretion, review the performance of a person or entity engaged in the provision of fixed or mobile broadband Internet access service. The authority, upon a finding that any such person or entity failed to comply with the net neutrality principles described in this section, shall make orders, after a hearing that is conducted as a contested case in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to enforce the provisions of this section and may levy civil penalties against such person or entity, pursuant to section 16-41 of the general statutes, for noncompliance.
Last updated: 5/4/2018
Delaware - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SCR 44
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Passed by Senate (1/25/18), session adjourned
Description: Expresses the General Assembly's opposition to the FCC's repeal of net neutrality rules and urges Congress to either review the repeal under the Congressional Review Act or enact legislation reinstating and requiring the preservation of net neutrality.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
District of Columbia
Citation: PR22-06-91
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Under City Council review as of 1/24/18
Description: Declares the sense of the Council that the District of Columbia strongly opposes the repeal of Net Neutrality Rules as implemented by the FCC.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Georgia - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SB 310
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not cross over to house as of 2/28/18-- did not pass
Description: Requires any ISP engaged in the provision of broadband service must "publicly disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access service." The bill would also prohibit any ISP from blocking lawful content, applications, services, and non-harmful devices, as well as prohibit "unreasonable discrimination in transmitting lawful network traffic over a consumer's broadband Internet access service."
State Utility Commission Involvement: Gives GA PSC authority to prescribe rules and regulations for the implementation of this chapter.
Last updated: 2/28/2018
Citation: HR1161
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Did not cross over to house as of 2/28/18-- did not pass
Description: Encourages Georgia's state agencies to establish policies requiring recipients of state contracts to adhere to Internet neutrality principles; and for other purposes.
State Utility Commission Involvement: State agencies encouraged to establish policies requiring recipients of state contracts to adhere to Internet neutrality principles; and for other purposes.
Last updated: 2/26/2018
Hawaii - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: EO No. 18-02
Type: Executive Order
Status: Enacted (2/5/18)
Description: Directs all state government agencies to contract for internet-related services only with providers who contractually agree to abide by net neutrality principles.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Direct state agencies only to contract with ISPs that adhere to net neutrality requirements. Add language to state contracts requiring adherence to net neutrality principles.
Last updated: 2/26/2018
Citation: HB 1995
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Would require an ISP operating in the state to comply with network neutrality practices and to be transparent with its network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its Internet access services.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Established for administrative purposes within the public utilities commission a task force on the establishment of a state-owned public utility company to provide internet service to users in Hawaii.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 2644
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; sessions adjourned 5/3/2018
Description: Requires a provider of broadband internet access services to be transparent with network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband internet access services. Prohibits a provider of broadband internet access services from blocking lawful websites, impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic, engaging in paid prioritization, or unreasonably interfering with or disadvantaging users of broadband internet access services. (SD2)
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: HB 2256
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 5/3/2018
Description: Requires a provider of broadband internet access services to be transparent with network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband internet access services. Prohibits a provider of broadband internet access services from blocking lawful websites, impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic, engaging in paid prioritization, or interfering with or disadvantaging users of broadband internet access services. Requires an applicant of a broadband-related permit seeking a state-granted or county-granted right to attach small cell or other broadband wireless communication devices to utility poles to comply with certain practices.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 2088
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 5/3/2018
Description: Requires a provider of broadband internet access services to be transparent with network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband internet access services. Prohibits a provider of broadband internet access services from blocking lawful websites, impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic, engaging in paid prioritization, or interfering with or disadvantaging users of broadband internet access services.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Idaho - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 425
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Legislature adjourned
Description: Requires net neutrality for all in-state internet providers
State Utility Commission Involvement: PUC to create rules to ensure that a telephone corporation and any communications provider it contracts with shall comply with Net Neutrality requirements.
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Illinois
Citation: SR 1196 / HB 5094
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Placed on calendar 2/13
Description: Urges the United States Congress and President Trump's administration to advocate for the permanent adoption of net neutrality rules that keep the Internet free and open.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 2816
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that no State agency may contract with an Internet service provider for the provision of broadband Internet access service unless that provider certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it will not engage in specified activities concerning Internet access and use. Defines terms.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 5094
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description:Amends state utility code to require broadband providers to adhere to Net Neutrality requirements. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce violations. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make conforming changes.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: HB4819
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending; Referred to Rules Committee
Description: Creates the Broadband Procurement and Disclosure Act. Provides that no State broadband purchaser may award any contract to an Internet service provider that includes broadband service unless the contract provides specified terms concerning access to and impairment of Internet services. Requires each Internet service provider to make available on its website a clear and conspicuous statement informing end users of the Internet service provider's network management practices and performance, including commercial terms offered to end users. Provides enforcement and damages provisions. Provides that nothing in the Act supersedes any obligation or authorization or limits the ability of an Internet service provider to address the needs of emergency communications or law enforcement, public safety, or national security authorities consistent with or as permitted by applicable law. Provides legislative findings. Defines terms.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/16/2018
Iowa - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HF 2287
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/18/2018
Description: A bill for an act providing internet neutrality and making penalties applicable
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SF 2286
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/18/2018
Description: A bill for an act providing for internet neutrality, and making penalties applicable.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Kansas - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 2682
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/8/2018
Description: Prohibiting state contracts with internet service providers that do not adhere to net neutrality principles.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Kentucky - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 418
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 4/15/2018.
Description: Prohibiting state contracts with internet service providers that do not adhere to net neutrality principles.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Maryland - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SB 287
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned 4/10/2018
Description: State funds may be used only to contract with providers that adhere to net neutrality principles
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/19/2018
Citation: HB 1654
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned 4/10/2018
Description: Providing that State funds may be used only by the State, a political subdivision, or a unit, an agency, or any instrumentality of the State or a political subdivision or by a person awarded a contract or grant by certain persons to procure services from an Internet service provider that does not block certain content applications, services, and devices, impair or degrade certain Internet traffic on a certain basis, or engage in certain commercial traffic preferencing
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/10/2018
Citation: HB 1655
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned 4/10/2018
Description: Specifying the circumstances under which a broadband Internet access service provider may handle certain customer personal information in a certain manner; establishing a mechanism through which a broadband Internet access service provider may obtain customer consent to have certain personal information handled in a certain manner; prohibiting a broadband Internet access service provider from taking certain actions based on whether a customer has consented to have certain customer personal information handled in a certain manner; etc.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated:5/10/2018
Massachusetts
Citation: MA HB 4222
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending; Senate concurred, 3/22/2018; House reporting date extended to 6/21/2018; Senate concurred 5/9/2018; legislation replaced by H4684 7/16/2018
Description: For legislation to provide for net neutrality and consumer protection
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Department of Telecommunications and Cable may make the rules necessary to implement the Act.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: MA S2389
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: State contract providers must adhere to net neutrality standards
State Public Utility Commission Involvement: Establish a process for broadband providers to certify that they will not engage in practices inconsistent with net neutrality.
Last Updated: 4/4/2018
Citation: SB 2336
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: For legislation to protect consumers by prohibiting blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization in the provision of internet service. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: HB 4151
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: For legislation to assure net neutrality by Internet service providers and the equal treatment of data on the Internet, and to prohibit discrimination or charge disparity of user, content, website, platform, application, type of attached equipment or method of communication. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: SB 2610
Type: Legislationd
Bill Status: Pending, passed Senate on 7/19/2018
Description: Establish a “preference” in state agency contracts for using ISPs that practice net neutrality.
State Utility Commission Involvement: DTC to create a Massachusetts Net Neutrality and Consumer Privacy Seal" that could then be used by an ISP to show that it "(i) provides equal access to an open and neutral Internet; (ii) commits to and enforces policies which prohibit paid prioritization; and (iii) provides customers with a mechanism to easily opt-out of third-party access to customer proprietary information for purposes other than the provision of broadband Internet access service. ISPs must file information with the DTC annually regarding their network management practices, performance characteristics, and commercial terms of broadband Internet access service, as well as their privacy policy.
Last updated: 7/24/2018
Citation: HB 4684
Type: Order
Bill Status: Pending
Description: authorizes the committee on Telecommunications, utilities and Energy be authorized to make an investigation and study of legislation relating to net neutrality, relative to telecommunications, utilities and energy. The committee shall report to the General Court the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry such recommendations into effect on or before December 31, 2018.
State Utility Commission Involvement: none
Last updated: 7/16/2018
Michigan
Citation: SR 0131
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Pending
Description: resolution to urge the Governor to issue an executive order requiring internet service providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality principles.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Minnesota - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation:MN S 2880
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned
Description: Relates to broadband service; prohibits certain activities by Internet service providers serving Minnesota customers and those under contract to the state or political subdivisions.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: HF 3033
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Internet service providers serving Minnesota customers and those under contract to the state or political subdivisions prohibited from certain activities.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Commission of Commerce is tasked with implementation and enforcement measures associated with bill
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Missouri - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HCR 84
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned
Description: Urges Congress to pass legislation reinstating net neutrality
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Montana - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: EO No. 3-2018
Type: Executive order
Bill Status: Enacted 2/5/18
Description: State contractors must adhere to net neutrality principles
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Nebraska - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: LB 856
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass, 4/18/2018
Description: Amends state telecommunications act to require providers to adhere to Net Neutrality requirements.
State Utility Commission Involvement: PUC to create requirements for licensing providers and ensuring they meet the requirements of the Bill.
Last updated: 5/18/2018
New Jersey
Citation: EO No. 9
Type: Executive Order
Bill Status: Enacted 2/5/18
Description: State contractors must adhere to net neutrality principles
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 2/26/2018
Citation: SB 1577
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Establishes "New Jersey Net Neutrality Act."
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: Assembly No. 2131
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending; Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading 3/12/2018
Description: Directs BPU to prohibit Internet service providers from installing broadband telecommunications infrastructure on certain poles or underground facilities unless Internet service providers adhere to principle of “net neutrality.”
State Utility Commission Involvement: Yes, see above
Last updated: 3/23/2018
Citation: Assembly, No. 2132
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Prohibits awarding of public contracts to Internet service providers, unless Internet service providers adhere to principle of “net neutrality.”
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/13/2018
Citation: Assembly, No. 2139
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending; Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading 3/12/2018
Description: Requires cable television company to commit to principle of “net neutrality” as condition of approval of application for municipal consent or system-wide franchise.
State Utility Commission Involvement: This bill requires a cable television company (CATV company) to commit to the principle of “net neutrality” for all Internet service customers as a condition of approval of an application filed with the Board of Public Utilities for a municipal consent or a system-wide franchise for the provision of CATV service.
Last updated: 3/23/2018
Citation: A 1767 (Identical bill number S1577)
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Introduced 1/9/2018, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, Pending
Description: Establishes "New Jersey Net Neutrality Act."
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: SB 1802
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Prohibits awarding of public contracts to Internet service providers, unless Internet service providers adhere to principle of "net neutrality."
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
New Mexico - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SJM 17
Type: Resolution (Senate Joint Memorial)
Bill Status: Passed the senate 2/13/18, not heard on the house floor, Did not pass
Description: Requests that the New Mexico congressional delegation encourage Congress to review the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal the net neutrality rule.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 39
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass, postponed indefinitely 1/17/2018
Description: Prohibited Broadband Internet Service Acts
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 155
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass, postponed indefinitely 1/23/2018
Description: Broadband Access Unfair Trade Practices
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
New York
Citation: EO No. 175
Type: Executive Order
Bill Status: Enacted 1/24/18
Description: State contractors must adhere to net neutrality principles, Dept. of Public Services tasked with evaluating potential actions to promote net neutrality
State Utility Commission Involvement: Department of Public Service is directed to evaluate potential actions to promote net neutrality in order to protect New Yorkers’ access to a free and open internet.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: AB 9059
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Establishes a new commission to study and report on the potential implementation of legislation, rules, and regulations for an open Internet in NY
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 7175
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: State may contract only with internet service providers that comply with net neutrality; establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriates $250 million therefor.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The commission shall require any person engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in NY state to report to the commission, and publicly disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, etc. The NY Public Service Commission shall help jointly administer (with the comptroller) the Municipal Internet service provider revolving loan fund.
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 7183
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Directs the PSC to develop a plan to monitor ISPs to ensure compliance with net neutrality rules, including an annual compliance review.
State Utility Commission Involvement: PSC to develop rules to monitor compliance with net neutrality requirements. PSC will use federally-mandated reporting requirements on net neutrality, which require ISPs publicly disclose unfair practices such as throttling or paid prioritization
Last Updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: A 8882
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending, referred to ways and means 4/17/2018; passed Assembly 6/19/2018
Description: Relates to instituting internet service neutrality; provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers; requires a certification for internet service neutrality in certain state contracts.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers.
Last Updated: 6/26/2018
Citation: A 9057
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending, referred to corporations, authorities and commissions 1/18/2018
Description: Relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality and establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriates $250 million therefor.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Public Service Commission is tasked with joint administration of a newly created Municipal Internet Service Provider Revolving Loan Fund.
Last Updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: A01958
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: Enacts the "omnibus telecommunications reform act of 2017"; reforms the competitive cable service, promotes the widespread development of high-capacity broadband internet access, and increases the availability and quality of services in this key economic development area and ensures the safety, reliability and affordability of telecommunications services.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Directs enforcement authority to the Public Service Commission.
Last Updated: 4/25/2018
North Carolina - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SB 736
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass, session adjourned
Description: Preserve Net Neutrality by prohibiting blocking, throttling, paid prioritization or other practices inconsistent with net neutrality principles. Require public disclosure of network management practices. Failure to follow net neutrality rules will be considered an unfair trade practice and is prohibited. The state DOJ shall monitor compliance with the rules. The Department of Information Technology shall assist.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 8/30/2018
Ohio
Citation: HCR18
Type: Resolution
Bill Status: Pending
Description: To memorialize the President and Congress to continue to protect net neutrality and open internet access.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last Updated: 4/25/2018
Oregon - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 4155
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Enacted (Passed by house 2/26/18, passed Senate 3/1/18, Governor signed 4/3/18)
Description: Prohibits broadband Internet access service provider from disclosing, selling or permitting access to personal information of customers of provider. Creates exceptions, including exception for giving express consent.Requires broadband Internet access service provider to take reasonable measures to protect personal information of customers of provider. Requires broadband Internet access service provider to provide notice of provisions of Act to potential customers of provider. Makes violation of Act unlawful trade practice. Establishes Task Force on Broadband Security to study uniformity of laws throughout United States with respect to protecting customers of broadband Internet access service providers. Requires task force to submit report, including recommendations for legislation, to interim committee of Legislative Assembly related to judiciary no later than December 15, 2018. Prohibits public bodies from contracting with broadband ISPs that engage in certain network management activities based on paid prioritization, content blocking, or other discrimination.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Oregon PUC shall create a rule specifying the manner and form in which disclosures under this subsection shall be made. The OR PUC may adopt rules and take any action that is necessary to enable the commission to exercise all of the powers and functions conferred on the commission by section 1 of this 2018 act. OR PUC Docket No. AR-618 opened 5/29/2018 to develop Net Neutrality Rules.
Last updated: 6/1/2018
Pennsylvania
Citation: PA H 2062
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending, introduced 2/28/18
Description: Prohibits Internet service providers from engaging in practices which curtail equal access to lawful Internet content, applications, services or use of non harmful devices; imposes civil penalties.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: SB 1033
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending
Description: An Act providing for disclosure requirements for broadband Internet access service providers, for prohibitions and for contracts, grants and tax credits; and imposing civil penalties.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/26/2018
Rhode Island - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: EO 18-02
Type: Executive Order
Bill Status: Enacted 4/24/2018
Description: Requires internet service providers (ISPs) that contract with the state to commit to the principle of the previously defined net neutrality regulations. ISPs that wish to compete for state contracts may not block lawful content or applications, slow down access to lawful internet content, offer paid prioritization of content or applications or unreasonably interfere with users' ability to access lawful content or applications.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The PUC shall evaluate and advise the Governor on potential actions to promote net neutrality to protect Rhode Islander’s access to free and open internet.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 7076
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study 3/20/2018
Description: Requires Internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/23/2018
Citation: S 2008
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Pending, Scheduled for hearing 5/3/2018
Description: Requires Internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The division of public utilities and carriers shall certify annually that any Internet service provider qualified to do business in the state adheres to net neutrality principles as described in the bill.
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Citation: HB 7422
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study 3/20/2018
Description: Requires net neutrality by fixed or mobile broadband Internet access services.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
South Carolina - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB4614
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned 5/10/2018
Description: Telecommunications companies or ISPs engaged in the provision of broadband Internet access service must publicly disclose accurate information regarding their network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access services sufficient for consumers to make informed choices regarding use of such services and for content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain Internet offerings. Telecommunication and ISP providers may not block, throttle, prioritize, or unreasonably interfere with content or user access.
State Utility Commission Involvement: Provides that the Public Service Commission may waive the prohibition on paid prioritization only if the petitioner demonstrates that the practice would "provide some significant public interest benefit and would not harm the open nature of the Internet in South Carolina."
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 4706
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned 5/10/2018
Description: Enacts The "south Carolina Net Neutrality Protection And Maintenance Act"
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Public Service Commission may waive the prohibition on paid prioritization in subsection (C) only if the petitioner demonstrates that the practice would provide some significant public interest benefit and would not harm the open nature of the Internet in South Carolina.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
South Dakota - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: SB 195
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass (Deferred to 41st legislative day)
Description: Establish certain provisions regarding the state procurement process for internet, data, and telecommunications services.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/20/2018
Tennessee - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB2405/2449
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not Pass out of committee (3/13/2018); session adjourned 4/27/2018
Description: Creates a Task Force of the Tennessee general assembly to study issues relating to the Federal Communication Commission’s withdrawal of the Open Internet Order
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 2183
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. session adjourned 4/27/2018
Description: As introduced, requires any internet service provider that provides internet to the state to provide a net neutral internet service. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 10; Title 12; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 1755/ SB 1756
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass - no Second; session adjourned 4/27/2018
Description: As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Internet Consumer Protection and Neutrality Act." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 10; Title 12; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68. No state governmental entity or local government shall contract with an ISP unless the provider is compliant with the net neutrality principles established.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Tennessee Public Utilities Commission shall promulgate rules that establish a process whereby an internet service provider certifies to the commission that it is providing broadband internet access service in accordance with this chapter. The commission is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement and effectuate all other provisions of this chapter except §65-38-106. Additionally the Commission shall administer a fund to be known as the Internet consumer access fund, and any penalties collected pursuant to § 65-38-108(a) shall be deposited in the fund.
Last updated: 5/18/2018
Citation: HB 2253
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass 3/13/2018
Description: As introduced, requires any internet service provider that provides internet to the state to provide a net neutral internet service. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 10; Title 12; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/25/2018
Vermont - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: EO No. 2-18
Type: Executive Order
Bill Status: Enacted 2/15/18
Description: State contractors must adhere to net neutrality principles
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Department of Public Service, in consultation with the Secretary of ADS, shall evaluate and advise the Governor on potential actions to promote net neutrality in order to protect Vermonters’ access to a free and open internet. This may include requiring Internet service providers to provide notice to their customers regarding network and transport management practices and performance and commercial terms of their broadband Internet access services sufficient for (A) consumers to make informed choices regarding use of such services and for content, application, service, and (B) device providers to develop, market, and maintain Internet offerings.
Last updated: 5/21/2018
Citation: HB 680
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; Session adjourned
Description: Bill makes NN enforceable under existing consumer protection laws
State Utility Commission Involvement: On or before November 15th, 2018, the Vermont PUC shall adopt rules that include:
1) A process by which ISPs may certify to the Commission that it is providing internet in accordance with consumer protection and net neutrality standards,
2) The form and manner for making required disclosures under this title,
3) A process for designating materials filed with the Commission as confidential if they fall within an exemption to disclosure under Vermont’s Public Record Act,
4) Statewide consumer protection rules and guidelines, including testing for broadband speeds,
5) A complaint protocol concerning alleged violations of this chapter,
6) Any other standards or procedures the Commission deems necessary.
Last updated: 3/7/2018
Citation: S 289
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Enacted, Signed by the Governor, 5/23/2018; Effective 7/1/2018
Description: An act relating to protecting consumers and promoting an open Internet in Vermont.
State Utility Commission Involvement: By 12/15/2018, the AG, PSC, industry, and consumer stakeholders shall consult and draft a report or legislation "reflecting whether and to what extent the state should enact net neutrality rules applicable to Internet service providers offering broadband Internet access service in Vermont.”
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Virginia - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 705
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Withdrawn by sponsor
Description: Required ISPs doing business in the state to adhere to net neutrality principles
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Washington - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 2282
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Enacted (Passed by house 2/9/18, passed by senate 2/27/18, signed into law 3/5/18-- goes into effect 6/6/18)
Description: Requires a person engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in the state to publicly disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its services sufficient for consumers to make informed choices regarding use of the services and for content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain internet offerings. Creates the internet consumer access account.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The utilities and transportation commission must provide notice of the effective date of this act to affected parties, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the utilities and transportation commission.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 6423
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 3/9/2018
Description: State contractors must adhere to net neutrality principles, requires Washington UTC to create a rule for implementation and enforcement of net neutrality.
State Utility Commission Involvement: By January 1, 2019, the commission shall adopt an order that (a) establishes rules for implementing and enforcing net neutrality;
(b) ensures that public purpose program funding is expended in a manner that will maximize internet neutrality;
(c) amend or modify commission standards pertaining to eligible telecommunication carrier status to ensure compliance with consumer protection and internet neutrality standards; and
(d) establishes a process whereby an internet service provider certifies to the commission that it is providing broadband internet access service in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: HB 2284
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 3/9/2018
Description: Protecting consumers by prohibiting blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization in the provision of internet service in Washington state.
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Utilities and Transportation Commission are tasked with providing stakeholders with notice of the effective date of this act.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: SB 6446
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass. Session adjourned 3/9/2018
Description: Ensuring consumers rights to internet transparency.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
West Virginia - Legislative Session Adjourned
Citation: HB 4399
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass
Description: To require the state and its political subdivisions to utilize net neutral internet services to assure receipt of impartial information; providing legislative findings on necessity for fair government requiring impartial access to internet resources; providing for prohibited acts by persons providing internet services to the state; and providing exceptions thereto.
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 3/13/2018
Citation: SB 396
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass; session adjourned 3/11/2018
Description: Creating West Virginia Net Neutrality Act
State Utility Commission Involvement: The Public Service Commission may waive the prohibition on paid prioritization contained in this section only if the petitioner demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the practice would provide some significant public interest benefit and would not harm the open nature of the Internet in this state.
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Wisconsin
Citation: SB 743
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass (3/28/2018)
Description: An Act to create 100.80 of the statutes; Relating to: requirements and prohibited practices for Internet service providers and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/4/2018
Citation: SB 740
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass (3/28/2018)
Description: An Act to amend 16.75 (1) (a) 1.; and to create 16.756 of the statutes; Relating to: state contracts for broadband Internet access service. (FE)
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 4/4/2018
Citation: AB 908
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Description: An Act to amend 16.75 (1) (a) 1.; and to create 16.756 of the statutes; Relating to: state contracts for broadband Internet access service. (FE)
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Citation: AB 909
Type: Legislation
Bill Status: Did not pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Description: An Act to create 100.80 of the statutes; Relating to: requirements and prohibited practices for Internet service providers and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
State Utility Commission Involvement: None
Last updated: 5/10/2018
Net Neutrality Cities
Mayor Bill de Blasio — New York, NY
Mayor Steve Adler — Austin, TX
Mayor Ted Wheeler — Portland, OR
Mayor Ron Nirenberg — San Antonio, TX
Mayor Sly James — Kansas City, MO
Mayor Mark Farrell — San Francisco, CA
Mayor Catherine E. Pugh — Baltimore, MD
County Board of Supervisors Chair Zach Friend — Santa Cruz County, CA
Mayor Barney Seney — Putnam, CT
Mayor Paul Soglin — Madison, WI
Mayor Sam Liccardo — San Jose, CA
Mayor Jacob Frey — Minneapolis, MN
Mayor Ethan Strimling — Portland, ME
Mayor Don Boeder — Gaylord, MN
Mayor Tom Feldkamp — Bow Mar, CO
Mayor Pauline Cutter — San Leandro, CA
Mayor Lucy Vinis — Eugene, OR
Mayor Lisa Swain — Fair Lawn, NJ
Mayor Laura Keegan — Edgewater, CO
Mayor Michael Tubbs — Stockton, CA
Mayor Steve Schewel — Durham, NC
Mayor Ras Baraka — Newark, NJ
Mayor Steve Fulop — Jersey City, NJ
Mayor Andrew Ginther — Columbus, OH
Mayor Kim McMillan — Clarksville, TN
Mayor David Terrazas — Santa Cruz, CA
Mayor Frank Ortis — Pembroke Pines, FL
Mayor Lowell Hurst — Watsonville, CA
Mayor Shari Cantor — West Hartford, CT
Mayor Rick Davis — City of Tonawanda, NY
Mayor Sal Panto Jr — Easton, PA
Mayor Alex Morse — Holyoke, MA
Mayor Michelle Distler — Shawnee, KS
Mayor G. David Gillock — North Ridgeville, OH
Mayor Michael M Vargas — Perris, CA
Mayor Lyda Krewson — Saint Louis, MO
Mayor Bob Scott — Sioux City, IA
Mayor David Martin — Stamford, CT
Mayor Walt Maddox — Tuscaloosa, AL
Mayor Paul Heroux — Attleboro, MA
Mayor Jean (John) Mordo — Los Altos, CA
Mayor Debra S. Lewis — Ashland, WI
Mayor Heidi Harmon — San Luis Obispo, CA
Mayor Miro Weinberger — Burlington, VT
Mayor Zachary Vruwink — Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Mayor Kim Driscoll — Salem, MA
Mayor Trish Herrera Spence — Alamada, CA
Mayor Marc McGovern — Cambridge, MA
Mayor David M. DelVecchio — Lambertville, NJ
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp — Plainfield, NJ
Mayor Patrick Wojahn — College Park, MD
Mayor Francis M. Womack III — North Brunswick, NJ
Mayor Tom Butt — Richmond, CA
Mayor Dominic Persampiere — Oviedo, FL
Mayor Dan Horrigan — Akron, OH
Mayor Charles Lamb — Edmond, OK
Mayor Catherine Blakespear — Encinitas, CA
Mayor Peter d’Errico — Leverett, MA
Mayor Heilman — West Hollywood, CA
Mayor Lydia E. Lavelle — Carrboro, NC
Mayor Lovely Warren — Rochester, NY
Mayor Robert D. Parisi — West Orange, NJ
Mayor Michael P. Summers — Lakewood, OH
Mayor Debbie Brinkman — Littleton, CO
Mayor James Brainard — Carmel, IN
Mayor Svante Myrick — Ithaca, NY
Mayor Pam Hemminger — Chapel Hill NC
Mayor Jake Spano — St. Louis Park, MN
Mayor Ken Kreutzer — Brighton, CO
Mayor Suzette Cavadas — Union, NJ
Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez — Moreno Valley, CA
Mayor Gail Johnson — Oswego, IL
Mayor Pete Buttigieg — South Bend, IN
Mayor Robert Donchez — Bethlehem, PA
Mayor Chris Koos — Normal, IL
Mayor Bob Kelly — Great Falls, MT
Mayor David H. Bieter — Boise, ID
Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla — Hoboken, NJ
Mayor Tim Mahoney — Fargo, ND
Mayor Rich Tran — Milpitas, CA
Mayor Randy Rhoads — Lee’s Summit, MO
Mayor Michael J. Venezia — Bloomfield, NJ
Mayor Denny Doyle — Beaverton, OR
Mayor Emmett V. Jordan — Greenbelt, MD
Mayor Nikuyah Walker — Charlottesville, VA
Mayor Deirdre Waterman — Pontiac, MI
Mayor Karen Weston — Dover, NH
Mayor Milissa Holland — Palm Coast, FL
Mayor Levar Stoney — Richmond, VA
Mayor David J. Narkewicz — Northampton, MA
Mayor Chuck Bennett — Salem, OR
Mayor Nora Slawik — Maplewood, MN
Mayor David O. Earling — Edmonds, WA
Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz — Margate, Florida
Mayor Tim Keller — Albuquerque, NM
Mayor Liz Lempert — Princeton, NJ
Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu — Bristol, CT
Mayor Mark Meadows — East Lansing, MI
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin — Birmingham, AL
Mayor Mike Vandersteen — Sheboygan, WI
William A. Kawecki — Morgantown, WV
Mayor Brenda Gunter — San Angelo, TX
Mayor Robert Garcia — Long Beach, CA
Mayor Ted Winterer — Santa Monica, CA
Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan — Braintree, MA
Mayor Shelley Brophy — Nacogdoches, TX
Mayor Paula Zelenko — Burton, MI
Mayor Bobby Kilgore — Monroe, NC
Mayor Tim Willson — Brooklyn Center, MN
Mayor Wynn Butler — Manhattan, KS
Mayor Donald M. Hahn — State College, PA
Mayor Carolyn Goodman — Las Vegas, NV
Mayor Raymond Rogina — St. Charles, IL
Mayor Jim Gardner — Lake Forest, CA
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen — Champaign, IL
Mayor Christopher Taylor — Ann Arbor, MI
Mayor Amy Howorth — Manhattan Beach, CA
Mayor Lioneld Jordan — Fayetteville, AR
Mayor Jesse Arreguin — Berkeley, CA
Nancy Tyra-Lukens — Eden Prairie, MN
Mayor Jeffrey Zane Slavin — Somerset, MD
Mayor John Hamilton — Bloomington, IN
Mayor Liza Normandy — South San Francisco
Last updated 6/7/2018
States Suing the Federal Communications Commission
States are pursuing the restoration of the 2015 Net Neutrality rules not only through legislation but also through legal action. Twenty-two State Attorneys General are suing to overturn the Restoring Internet Freedom order in the courts. These states are: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, and the District of Columbia, with others expected to join in. In addition, Free Press, the Benton Foundation, NTCH, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and Mozilla have filed petitions for judicial review.
These states appear on the map below.
