Net Neutrality (H 7422, S 2008A)

This legislation would have prohibited state-purchased or funded Internet service providers (ISPs) from halting, slowing, or otherwise tampering with the transfer of data, thus ensuring fair and equal access to all Internet content. Such a proposal has become critical because last year the FCC repealed federal provisions requiring ISPs to abide by “these net neutrality” principles. The legislation was similar to an executive order issued by Governor Gina Raimondo in April, but approval of legislation by the General Assembly would ensure that Rhode Islanders will continue to have open Internet access regardless of who is Governor down the line. The ACLU testified in support of this legislation. The Senate approved an amended version of the legislation in June, but the bill died in the House.