RI Lawmakers Hold Net Neutrality Bill for Study

Rhode Island lawmakers held for further study a bill that would require ISPs seeking state contracts to adhere to net neutrality principles, during a Thursday Senate Commerce Committee hearing. SB-342 was introduced for the third time after stalling in 2019 and 2020 (see 2003110017). "We all want a safe and open internet," said bill sponsor Sen. Louis DiPalma (D). Public testimony was mixed, with opponents calling the bill unnecessary. It "is neither legally permissive nor an effective way to achieve" net neutrality goals, said Wilkinson Barker's Russell Hanser. The bill is "absolutely necessary," emailed DiPalma: "We cannot wait for the federal government to reinstate net neutrality. Should the FCC or Congress act, then the federal level action would supersede our state action."