The state of Oregon just took a step to protecting net neutrality in their state. Yesterday, the Oregon House of Representatives passed a proposal that would require state agencies to sign internet service contracts with providers that adhere to net neutrality protections. This means that the internet service providers do not block, throttle or have paid prioritization.
Now that the bill has passed Oregon’s House of Representatives, it will now head to the state Senate. While there are governors in Montana, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and Vermont that have signed executive orders to help institute similar requirements on state agencies, several other states are going through legislation to make net neutrality protection happen.
The states that are going through the legislative route include Iowa, Maryland, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. By going the route to prohibit state agencies from working with ISPs that don’t practice net neutrality ideals, the states are circumventing FCC order that prevents state governments from passing laws that contradict its own rules. By changing the rules for state agencies, states hope that they can protect net neutrality while not violating FCC’s order.
There are some states that are heading the direction of pursuing or considering legislation that directly regulates ISP practices in their respective states. Earlier this month, Washington’s House passed such a bill, which pushed it to the state Senate for approval.
If you’re interested in seeing the full list of states that are considering enacting their own net neutrality laws, you can do so here.
