Herod-Hansen bill would protect an open and free Internet and protect tax-payer dollars
(Apr. 5) – Yesterday, House Democrats voted in favor of 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 Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver.
“The internet is an indispensable part of our lives and it’s time that we step up to protect it,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “I thank my colleagues for their support and we will continue working to ensure the internet remains open and accessible for all.”
The Trump administration recently rolled back Obama-era rules ensuring a free and open internet. Washington, Montana and Oregon have passed legislation or taken other steps to protect net neutrality.
“Republicans in Congress are blocking net neutrality protections, so it’s on states like Colorado to act. This bill is a critical tool that can ensure 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 gives 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 41-22. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Not a single House or Senate Republican voted to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect net neutrality.
The House passed a similar bill last session only to have it blocked by the previously GOP controlled state Senate.