Republicans and Democrats team up for net neutrality in Washington state

Championing a bill that protects consumers and ensures small businesses can compete in a world driven by technology made perfect sense to WA state Rep Norma Smith (R-Whidbey Island). State Rep Smith doesn’t view network neutrality laws as a partisan issue. Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, “this is an issue that needs to matter to everyone,” Smith said. State Rep Smith and WA state Rep Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island) both have sponsored bills that would ensure net neutrality in Washington state. The bills were easily voted out of committee and now mirror each other. The Appropriations Committee planned a weekend hearing on the bills and one of the two identical bills will likely move into the House for a vote.