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Herod, Hansen bill would protect an open and free Internet
(Mar. 28) – The House State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee passed a bill today to protect a free and open internet in Colorado. The bill to protect net neutrality and safeguard taxpayer money is sponsored by Reps. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Leslie Herod, D-Denver.
“With new leadership in the State Senate and renewed calls to ensure that the internet remains open and accessible, we are pressing forward,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “The internet is an indispensable part of our lives.”
The Trump administration recently rolled back Obama-era rules ensuring a free and open internet. Washington, Montana and Oregon have already passed legislation or taken other steps to protect net neutrality.
“Washington D.C. is refusing to protect net neutrality so it’s on the states to act. It’s critical the internet remains open for innovators, consumers and small businesses,” Rep. Hansen said. “Our bill is about protecting taxpayer dollars from being used to support throttled or blocked internet service.”
SB19-078 would ensure that: · companies that receive assistance to expand rural broadband provide net-neutral service. · state contracting give preference to internet service providers that deliver net neutrality. · consumers know how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to allege that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) has interfered with the open internet.
SB19-078 passed with a vote of 4-3 and now goes to the House floor.
The House passed a similar bill last session only to have it blocked by the previously GOP controlled state Senate.