Net neutrality; an entity engaged in provision of broadband Internet access services. (SB948)
Introduced By
Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-Leesburg)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
☐ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Net neutrality. Provides that an entity engaged in the provision of broadband Internet access service in the Commonwealth shall not (i) block lawful content, applications, services, or nonharmful devices, subject to reasonable network management; (ii) impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of Internet content, application, or service, or use of a nonharmful device, subject to reasonable network management; (iii) engage in paid prioritization; or (iv) unreasonably interfere with or unreasonably disadvantage (a) end users' ability to select, access, and use broadband Internet access service or the lawful Internet content, applications, services, or devices of their choice or (b) edge providers' ability to make lawful content, applications, services, or devices available to end users. The bill also provides that except as provided in certain limited circumstances, a provider shall not knowingly disclose certain personally identifiable information concerning a consumer of the Internet service provider. Read the Bill »
Outcome
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/19/2018 | Presented and ordered printed 18104597D |
| 01/19/2018 | Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor |
| 01/24/2018 | Impact statement from DHCD (SB948) |
| 01/29/2018 | Stricken at request of Patron in Commerce and Labor (13-Y 0-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
As a resident and citizen of Virginia I support this bill in it's entirety. The citizens can't rely upon the good nature of any corporation or business to protect our access to necessary and vital access to information/goods when they operate on a monopoly basis. While my area has access to several internet providers that is not the case for many people in the state. Without true competition in the market the ability to abuse customers for further profit is a possibility. The ISP giants that currently exist today have broken their trust with the public long ago. I commend Sen. Jennifer Wexton for intorducing this bill to protect the rights of citizens to have fair access to the content of their choosing while operating on the internet. In our day and age to be a productive member of society, to operate a successful business, or to have an equal opportunity to educate oneself about the world today it is absolutely imperative that one has unfettered access to the internet and it's capabilities. I encourage the Virginia State Legislature to pass this bill to avoid the scenario where the requirements for participating at complete capacity in the modern world are put behind a paywall.