New Net Neutrality Bill Would Enact the Strongest Internet Protections in the County

lindsay-chestnut
lindsay-chestnut

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2017 file photo, Lindsay Chestnut of Baltimore holds a sign that reads "I like My Internet Like I Like my Country: Free & Open" as she protests near the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in Washington where the FCC was scheduled to meet and vote on net neutrality. On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, a California lawmaker introduced legislation that looks to maintain net-neutrality rules recently scuttled by the Federal Communications Commission, setting up a likely showdown with influential internet companies and, if his bill passes, with the Trump administration in court. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

 

A net neutrality bill is moving forward after it was approved by a key legislative committee this week. Senate Bill 822’s author, Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, says without net neutrality protections, service providers would be able to dictate our usage.

 

 

SB-822 would enact the strongest net neutrality protections in the country. The bill is aimed to stop Internet service providers form blocking or slowing service. A ban would also be put in place requiring fees from websites or online services to deliver or prioritize their traffic to consumers. It passed the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee with a nine to three vote. All nine yes votes came from Democrats, while the no votes were made by Republicans. It now heads to the Assembly floor for a vote next week.