The California State Assembly approved the strongest net neutrality legislation in the nation despite strong opposition from the telecommunications industry.
SB 822 prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from taking actions that interfere with consumers’ ability to access internet content. Under the legislation, ISPs cannot block content, throttle internet speed or engage in paid prioritization. ISPs are also not allowed to engage in application-specific pricing or zero-rating programs and deceptive marketing.
‘Gold Standard’ Net Neutrality Protections
Many consider SB 822 to be the “gold standard” for states seeking to protect net neutrality. Now it is heading back to the state Senate for another vote. The state’s upper house already approved the bill in May.
In June, Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, chairman of the Communications and Conveyance Committee, eliminated key provisions of SB 822. State Sen. Scott Wiener, the author of the bill, condemned Santiago’s “hostile amendments.”
Other critics alleged that Santiago had watered down the legislation because he received a significant amount of campaign contributions from industry lobbyists. He denied those allegations.
