California Net Neutrality Bills Pass Assembly
California net neutrality bills seeking comprehensive open-internet rules (SB-822) and restricting some government contracts with ISPs that violate rules (SB-460) were advancing Thursday afternoon local time. SB-822 had been waiting on the floor all week; bills must pass the legislature…
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by Friday. It cleared a key milestone Thursday as California Assembly members voted 58-17 for SB-822 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D), overcoming Republicans who in debate lined up against the bill that’s endorsed by ex-FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. A separate bill to restrict some government contracts with ISPs that violate rules SB-460 was awaiting an Assembly floor vote. The bills require Senate concurrence with Assembly amendments by Friday. "The moment you've all been waiting for," said Assembly Communications Committee Chairman Miguel Santiago (D) as SB-822 came up for debate. The Democrat said it’s the “strongest” state bill in the country, while GOP Assemblymember Jay Obernolte called it the “harshest.” Other Republicans predicted lawsuits. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) supported the bills that are co-sponsored by her rival in November’s election, state Sen. Kevin de Leon (D). “California once again has the opportunity to lead the country, this time by protecting #NetNeutrality,” Feinstein tweeted Wednesday regarding state legislators. “Take action so that users, not their internet service providers, control their online experience.” The legislature Wednesday passed AB-1999, a municipal broadband bill by Assemblymember Ed Chau (D) that would require local agencies to follow net neutrality principles. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance urged Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to sign the bill so community service districts may fund, build and operate broadband networks in rural areas without first having to determine that no private entity will do so.