California State Senate Approves Net Neutrality Bill

The California State Senate approved a network neutrality bill that has been called the “gold standard” of such bills in the nation, as states grapple with a controversial repeal of Obama-era federal rules meant to ensure an open internet. The state senate voted 23 to 12 to adopt SB 822, the bill by CA State Sen Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco).  “Today the California State Senate read the writing on the wall, sided with the public, and voted to defy Ajit Pai and enact strong protections against ISP censorship and abuse,” said Evan Greer, deputy director for advocacy group Fight for the Future.  California and other states, such as New York, Washington, Montana and others, have established or are working to establish their own net neutrality rules since the FCC voted in December to repeal net neutrality regulations. The measure now goes to the CA Assembly, where committee hearings begin in June. The Assembly must vote on the measure by the end of August.