Missouri, Rhode Island Reps Float Net Neutrality Bills
Missouri and Rhode Island Democrats proposed net neutrality bills in response to the FCC rescinding 2015 Title II protections. Missouri state Rep. Mark Ellebracht (D) Tuesday introduced HB-1994, requiring broadband providers to disclose network management practices and banning them from…
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blocking or impairing internet access, doing paid prioritization or unreasonably disadvantaging a user’s ability to choose internet content or an edge provider’s ability to provide content, a bill summary said. Violators would be subject to a $5,000 fine per violation, not to exceed $25,000 per day. Wednesday, Rhode Island state Rep. Brian Kennedy and four other Democrats introduced HB-7076, restricting state internet service contracts to companies that follow net neutrality rules. Democrats in many other states also are offering net neutrality bills this year (see 1712210034). Also, Missouri state Rep. Shawn Rhoads (R) introduced a new version (HB-1991) of his small-cells bill pre-empting local authority over wireless siting in the right of way (see 1801050033). It replaces HB-1948, an older version mistakenly filed last week, said Missouri Municipal League Deputy Director Richard Sheets.