Minnesota House Panel OKs Net Neutrality Bill
A Minnesota net neutrality bill cleared the House State Government Finance Division in a Thursday voice vote. The panel re-referred HF-136 to the Ways and Means Committee. The bill would prohibit ISPs from blocking lawful websites, impairing or degrading lawful…
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internet traffic, paid prioritization and unreasonably interfering or disadvantaging broadband users. It would restrict government contracts to ISPs that follow rules. The House panel’s GOP members voiced skepticism of the bill. “Why would you want to enforce and put into statute a law that you know full well will be litigated by the FCC?” asked Republican lead, Rep. Tony Albright, at the recorded hearing. Albright noted lawsuits challenging the California net neutrality law. That litigation could be resolved by the time HF-136 takes effect, replied sponsor state Rep. Zack Stephenson (D), supporting delaying the enactment date to allow time for resolution. Witnesses from the American Civil Liberties Union and Minnesota’s Scott County supported the proposed law, but officials from AT&T and the Minnesota Cable Communications Association opposed it. AT&T follows net neutrality principles, so the legislation is “a solution looking for a problem,” said Minnesota State President Paul Weirtz, saying the company prefers national to state-specific rules. Democrats control the House and governor’s office and Republicans run the Senate. In Maine, seven Democrats and one Republican introduced net neutrality legislation (LD-1364) in the House and Senate that would prohibit state funding to ISPs unless they agree in writing to follow the FCC's 2015 open internet rules. Maine Democrats have a political trifecta.