Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases state net neutrality protections prohibits state agencies from contracting with broadband carriers that block or throttle traffic.

Highlights:

• Prohibits state funds from being allocated to an internet service provider unless the internet service provider agrees in writing to provide net neutral service directly to the state entity (Sec. 1).

• Defines “broadband Internet access service” as a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit and receive data from all Internet endpoints (Sec. 1).

• Defines “net neutral service” means a fixed or mobile broadband Internet access service that is provided without engaging in any of the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Blocking of lawful content, applications, services or devices;

• Throttling; or

• Paid prioritization.

• Defines “paid prioritization” as management of the network of an internet service provider that provides broadband Internet access service directly or indirectly favor some traffic over other traffic, either in exchange for monetary or other consideration from a third party (Sec. 1).

• Defines “throttling” as impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic on the basis of internet content (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text