A Bill to Expand Internet Access and Protect Local Communities’ Broadband Networks

Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Jared Golden (D-ME) and Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Community Broadband Act (H.R. 1631), legislation that will empower local communities to ensure their residents have broadband access by removing roadblocks for public-private partnerships and locally-owned broadband systems. The Community Broadband Act nullifies state laws that inhibit local governments from building their own broadband, preserving the local right to self-determination in connecting communities. Nineteen states have passed laws that either restrict or outright prohibit local communities from investing local dollars in building their own broadband networks.