California Net Neutrality Bill Advances

Two bills aimed at reinstating aspects of the repealed Obama-era net neutrality rules are headed to a vote in the California General Assembly. The measures, billed by state legislators as “the strongest net neutrality protections in the country,” were stripped of key provisions earlier in 2018 amid fierce opposition from industry groups, but those components were later restored, and the measures have gained momentum in recent weeks. The pair of bills succeeded in passing out of the Assembly Communications and Conveyance panel, setting up another round of deliberations in the main legislature. “Restoring full net neutrality protections in California is within sight,” said California State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco).

The push to reinstate the internet safeguards got a boost from California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. He cited recent reports that Verizon throttled the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s data during its wildfire emergency response efforts as a reason to support the measure. “We’re fighting for #netneutrality, because it’s vital for consumers & govt. agencies — such as @sccfiredept — to have open access to online content without interference or manipulation by providers. It can mean the difference between life/death,” he tweeted.