Does Your State Support Net Neutrality? All 50 states ranked by support for net neutrality

Although the vast majority of Americans are in favor of net neutrality, political support for net neutrality in the US varies from state to state.

Comparitech researchers rated every US state on its support for net neutrality. Each state was scored in the following categories; legislation, senator support, attorney general support, town support and mayoral support. The maximum score achievable was 16. (Learn more about our methodology)

Here are the highlights of our analysis:

• Massachusetts is the #1 ranked state in support of net neutrality, followed by New Jersey, New York, California, and Illinois.
• Arkansas ranks last in support for net neutrality, followed by Wyoming, Louisiana, Utah, and South Dakota.
• The top 17 states with the highest scores in favor of net neutrality all voted for Clinton in 2016, demonstrating how political support is deeply divided along party lines.

US states with strongest political support for net neutrality

Massachusetts

Score: 16/16

Massachusetts was the only state to receive a perfect score in our analysis. The state introduced several laws in both 2018 and 2019 that protect and support net neutrality. One has passed so far, ensuring ISPs declare their public practices regarding net neutrality matters, while four others are still pending.

All 11 state Senators have spoken out in support of net neutrality. The Massachusetts state Attorney General (AG) has signed the petition against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Boston, Summerville, and Springfield have all petitioned on the side of Mozilla against the FCC.

Seven mayors have signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge.

New Jersey

Score: 15.64/16

New Jersey introduced 10 bills in the past two years that aim to protect net neutrality. The New Jersey Net Neutrality Act was established in 2018, which prohibits network traffic prioritization.

Governor Phil Murphy also signed an executive order requiring that all future contracts with his administration regarding broadband internet be awarded to ISPs that adhere to net neutrality principles.

13 out of 14 New Jersey state senators support net neutrality. The state AG signed the petition against the FCC.

Newark and Princeton have petitioned on the side of Mozilla against the FCC.

11 mayors have signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge.

New York

Score: 14.79/16

New York’s legislative attempts to enforce net neutrality include nine bills introduced in 2017, none of which passed; an executive order enacted in 2018; and five unique bills introduced in 2019, all of which are still pending.

The 2018 executive order is very similar to New Jersey’s, prohibiting contracts under the governor’s administration be awarded to ISPs that do not adhere to net neutrality principles.

New York’s AG started the petition against the FCC that was signed by 22 other state attorneys general. The governor signed an executive order to oppose the FCC’s decision to repeal the Open Internet Order.

New York City, Buffalo, Ithaca, Schenectady, and Syracuse have all sided with Mozilla in its petition against the FCC.

Four mayors have signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge.

California

Score: 14.27/16

California introduced four bills to protect net neutrality in 2018, but none so far in 2019. One bill passed and one was adopted but put on hold.

That law prohibits ISPs from blocking online content and impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic on the basis of content, application, or service. It also prohibits paid prioritization.

47 senators in California are in favor of net neutrality, and eight oppose it. The state AG signed the petition against the FCC.

Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Jose have all petitioned on the side of Mozilla against the FCC.

22 mayors have signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge.

Illinois

Score: 13.75

Illinois legislators introduced seven net neutrality bills in 2018, none of which passed, and two bills in 2019 that are still in committee as of time of writing.

15 Illinois state senators are in favor of net neutrality, and five are against. The state AG signed the petition against the FCC.

Chicago and Cook County have both joined Mozilla’s petition against the FCC.

Four mayors have signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge.

Net neutrality by US state scoring methodology

We’ve scored each state across five categories and summed them up to get a total score and ranking. Here are the five categories and scoring systems for each explained:

1. Legislation score: Rated on a scale from zero to five based on active or pending state legislation that protects net neutrality:
   • 5 = Act put in place or executive order signed
   • 4 = Signed resolution adopted or act in place, but on hold
   • 3 = Multiple pending bills introduced in 2018 and 2019
   • 2 = At least one pending bill introduced in 2018
   • 1 = One bill introduced but failed
   • 0 = No bills introduced
2. Senator score: This shows the proportion of senators in each state who voted for or against net neutrality. A score of 5 means 100% of state senators have voiced support for net neutrality, and a score of zero means none have done so. For example, if 50% of senators in a given state support net neutrality, that state earns a senator score of 2.5.
3. Attorney general Score:
   • 2 points if the state AG has signed the New York attorney general’s petition against the FCC
   • 1 point if they took no action
   • 0 points if they’ve signed in support of the FCC
4. Town Score:
   • 2 points if more than one town in the state has signed the Mozilla vs FCC petition (PDF) in support of net neutrality in their town
   • 1 point if a single town in the state has signed in support of net neutrality in their town
   • 0 if no towns have signed in support of net neutrality
5. Mayor Score:
   • 2 points if more than one mayor per state has signed the Cities Open Internet Pledge in support of net neutrality
   • 1 point if one mayor in the state signed
   • 0 points if no mayors in the state have signed

You can find our scoring data here.

We elected to give California and Vermont a legislation score of 4 even though they’ve only introduced bills, as they are holding off on implementing these until after the courts resolve any pending litigation over the FCC’s 2017 rollback of the Open Internet Order.

Net neutrality laws and bill in all 50 states, 2018-2019

Alabama

• Senator Doug Jones co-sponsored legislation to repeal the FCC’s decision to end its policy of net neutrality – https://patch.com/alabama/birmingham-al/doug-jones-co-sponsors-legislation-protect-net-neutrality
• No new bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Alaska

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which relates to the “regulation of broadband internet” and includes internet neutrality – http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0277A.PDF (House) and http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/SB0160A.PDF (Senate)
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which relates to procurement regulations, prohibiting procurement from broadband internet services that either don’t treat all websites equally or engage in paid or vertical prioritization – http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0360A.PDF
• Urged US Congress in 2018 to overturn the FCC’s decision to end net neutrality – http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/SJR012A.PDF (Senate) and http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HJR031A.PDF (House)
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Arizona

• No new bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Arkansas

• Attorney general is supporting the FCC’s decision to roll back the net neutrality rules – https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/5018702/AK-TX-NB-Net-Neutrality.pdf
• No new bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

California

• Delayed net neutrality law to wait for the results of pending litigation over the FCC’s decision – https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/26/18029226/net-neutrality-fcc-california-law-ajit-pai-scott-wiener
• Introduced the California Internet Consumer Protection and Net Neutrality Act of 2018 – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB822
• Introduced a bill that set out terms for internet providers submitting a bid or proposal above $100,000 to ensure it is fully compliant – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB460
• Has urged US Congress to overturn the FCC’s decision to end net neutrality – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SR74
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Colorado

• Introduced a bill in 2018 to protect the open internet, disqualifying an internet provider from certain practices – http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2018A/bills/2018a_1312_ren.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 (Senate) to protect the open internet, disqualifying an internet provider from certain practices – http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2019A/bills/2019a_078_01.pdf
• Bill passed – https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/334228/colorado-lawmakers-pass-net-neutrality-bill.html

Connecticut

• Tried to pass a bill in 2018 regarding net neutrality twice but it failed. However, on the third attempt, it was passed (by a single vote) – https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/h/pdf/2018HB-05260-R00-HB.PDF
• Separate bill limits the requirements of the above bill to providers who receive state contracts – https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-6
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which requires ISPs to adopt a net neutrality policy – https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-05016-R00-HB.PDF and https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-06244-R00-HB.PDF
• Introduced a bill in 2019 (Senate) which requires ISPs to register and pay registration fees and requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to apply net neutrality principles to ISPs – https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00006-R01-SB.PDF
• Duff leads the net neutrality effort – https://www.thehour.com/business/article/Duff-leads-new-net-neutrality-effort-in-13534742.php

Delaware

• A concurrent resolution which opposes the FCC’s decision to end net neutrality – http://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=26301&legislationTypeId=3&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SCR44
• No bills introduced in 2019

Florida

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Georgia

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which would prohibit the state from entering any contracts with companies who cannot certify their net neutrality – http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HB/1066
• Introduced a resolution in 2018 to encourage the state’s agencies to establish policies that would require those signing state contracts to conform to net neutrality principles – http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HR/1161
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which would ensure any internet service provider offering broadband internet services would have to publicly disclose their management practices and prohibits them from blocking any lawful content – http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/SB/310
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Hawaii

• Governor signed an executive order to protect net neutrality – https://ets.hawaii.gov/governors-news-release-governor-ige-signs-executive-order-to-protect-net-neutrality-in-hawaii/
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which ensures free and open internet by regulating internet service providers – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HB1995_HD1_.htm
• Passed a bill in 2018 which ensures any internet service provider offering broadband internet services would have to publicly disclose their management practices and prohibits them from blocking any lawful content – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/SB2644_SD2_.htm
• Urged US Congress to oppose the recent decision to overturn net neutrality – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HCR67_.htm and https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HR53_.htm
• Urged US Congress to recognize the increasing opposition to the repeal of net neutrality – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HR162_.htm and https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HCR191_.htm
• Urged the Public Utilities Commission to establish new rules to enforce net neutrality requirements for internet and broadband providers in the state – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HCR206_.htm and https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HR176_.htm
• Introduced a bill in 2019 (Senate) which requires internet providers to be transparent and prohibits actions that go against net neutrality – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/bills/SB253_.htm
• Introduced a bill in 2019 relating to broadband and stipulating that the EO for net neutrality must be adhered to – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/bills/SB253_SD2_.htm
• Introduced a bill in 2019 relating to broadband service infrastructure – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/bills/SB553_HD2_.htm – this was passed

Idaho

• Introduced addition and amendment to existing law to ensure internet service providers adhere to several rules, including the promotion of net neutrality – https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2018/legislation/H0425.pdf
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Illinois

• Introduced a bill in 2018 for the Broadband Procurement and Disclosure Act which promotes net neutrality – http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/HB/PDF/10000HB4819lv.pdf (House) and http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/SB/PDF/10000SB2975lv.pdf (Senate)
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to amend the Telecommunications Article of the Public Utilities Act which would create transparency among internet providers and prevent them from blocking lawful content – http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/HB/PDF/10000HB5094lv.pdf
• Urged the President of the United States and members of Congress to protect net neutrality – http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/HR/PDF/10000HR0874lv.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to amend the Illinois Procurement Code to ensure that anyone contracting with an internet service provider only does so if this provider is adhering to certain rules – http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/SB/PDF/10000SB2816lv.pdf
• Urged the President of the United States and members of Congress to permanently adopt net neutrality – http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/100/SR/PDF/10000SR1117lv.pdf
• New rule for open internet effective from April 23 – https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-04-11/illinois-house-panel-oks-net-neutrality-proposal
• Introduced a new bill in 2019 which creates the Broadband Procurement and Disclosure Act and promotes net neutrality – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/bills/SB253_.htm

Indiana

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Iowa

• Introduced a bill in 2018 (House and Senate) to provide for net neutrality and make penalties applicable – https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/87/SF2286.pdf (Senate) and https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/87/HF2287.pdf (House)
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which provides for net neutrality and makes penalties applicable – https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/88/HF174.pdf

Kansas

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which prohibits the state from entering a contract with an internet provider that violates net neutrality – http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/hb2682_00_0000.pdf
• Above bill was rejected by the committee – http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/hb2682/
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Kentucky

• Introduced a bill in 2018 to amend a current law regarding paid prioritization and ensuring open and fair access to networks – https://legiscan.com/KY/bill/HB414/2018 and https://www.billtrack50.com/BillDetail/960144
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to add a section to an existing law to ensure internet providers are adhering to certain network management practices and added a section to “Fair Access to the Internet Act” to protect consumers from providers who fail to adhere to these practices – https://legiscan.com/KY/bill/HB418/2018
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which amends a current law to create a definition for paid prioritization – https://legiscan.com/KY/bill/HB9/2019

Louisiana

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019
• Senator John Kennedy introduced his own bill which was criticized as even though it would prevent internet providers from blocking or slowing down access to services or websites, it wouldn’t prevent them from offering paid prioritization – https://www.cnet.com/news/gop-senator-proposes-bill-net-neutrality-fix/
• Also slammed by small businesses from Louisiana – https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2018-03-08-louisiana-small-businesses-slam-senator-john

Maine

• No bills introduced in 2018
• Bill introduced in 2019 – an Act Regarding Net Neutrality and Internet Policy and refers to the FCC’s open internet order from 2015 – http://legislature.maine.gov/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0986&item=1&snum=129

Maryland

• Bill passed in 2018 which specifies how broadband providers may use customer information and how they should obtain consent – http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/hb/hb1654T.pdf and http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/hb/hb1655F.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which covers which entities can use service providers who block certain content and impair certain internet traffic – http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/sb/sb0287F.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2018 regarding procurement and the certifications required from bidders – http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/sb/sb0882F.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which specifies the circumstances under which an ISP may handle customer information and promotes net neutrality – http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/hb/hb0141F.pdf

Massachusetts

• Introduced a bill in 2018 to assure net neutrality – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4151
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to provide for net neutrality and consumer protection – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4222
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to protect customers by prohibiting paid prioritization, throttling, or blocking by internet providers – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2336 and https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2376
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to ensure a free and open internet in the Commonwealth – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2389
• Bill passed the Senate which protects consumers by ensuring ISPs declare their public practices regarding net neutrality matters – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2610
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which proposes net neutrality and consumer protection – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2921
• Introduced a bill (Senate) in 2019 which promotes net neutrality and consumer protection – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1936
• Introduced a bill in 2019 to ensure a free and open internet in the Commonwealth – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1960
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which would protect consumers by prohibiting blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2927

Michigan

• Resolution which urges the governor to issue an executive order requiring internet service providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality principles – http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2017-2018/resolutionintroduced/Senate/pdf/2018-SIR-0131.pdf
• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Minnesota

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which prohibits certain activities from internet service providers operating under state contracts and ensures they adhere to net neutrality – https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF3033&version=latest&session=ls90&session_year=2018&session_number=0, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF2880&session=ls90&version=latest&session_number=0&session_year=2018, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF4411&session=ls90&version=latest&session_number=0&session_year=2018 and https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF3968&version=latest&session=ls90&session_year=2018&session_number=0
• Introduced bill for 2019 which prohibits certain activities from internet service providers and authorizes monetary fines – https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF136&version=latest&session=ls91&session_year=2019&session_number=0, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF0317&session=ls91&version=latest&session_number=0&session_year=2019, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF555&type=bill&version=0&session=ls91&session_year=2019&session_number=0, and https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?version=latest&session=ls91&number=SF0209&session_year=2019&session_number=0
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which relates to the budget for economic development, telecommunications, and energy, and lays out the requirements for internet service providers to adhere to net neutrality – https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF2208&type=bill&version=2&session=ls91&session_year=2019&session_number=0
• Ruling found that Minnesota’s state government cannot regulate VoIP services because they’re an “information service” under federal law – https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/09/ajit-pai-helped-charter-kill-consumer-protection-rules-in-minnesota/

Mississippi

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Missouri

• Introduced a bill in 2018 to ensure internet providers do not block or impair broadband access or engage in paid prioritization. Paid prioritization will only be sanctioned if it is in the public’s interest – https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/hlrbillspdf/5667H.01I.pdf
• Resolution which urges Congress to pass legislation reinstating net neutrality – https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/hlrbillspdf/6228H.01I.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which sets out net neutrality rules and ensures that broadband providers publicly disclose information regarding their management practices – https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0986H.01I.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which establishes provisions for net neutrality – https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/1543H.01I.pdf
• Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson agreed with scrapping net neutrality in 2017 as he believed it would incentivize internet providers to build out better broadband infrastructure in Missouri’s rural areas – https://www.missourinet.com/2017/07/19/missouri-lt-governor-weighs-in-on-net-neutrality-scrap-it/

Montana

• No bills introduced in 2018
• Bill introduced in 2019 for net neutrality – https://legiscan.com/MT/bill/SB355/2019

Nebraska

• Attorney general is supporting the FCC’s decision to roll back the net neutrality rules – https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/5018702/AK-TX-NB-Net-Neutrality.pdf
• Bill introduced for net neutrality in 2018 – https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/Intro/LB856.pdf
• Resolution for an interim study to examine net neutrality – https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/Intro/LR453.pdf
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Nevada

• No bills introduced in 2018
• Introduced bill in 2019 to establish provisions relating to net neutrality – https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL//80th2019/Bill/6603/Overview

New Hampshire

• All four members of the congressional delegation have co-sponsored a resolution to restore net neutrality protections – https://www.nhbr.com/nh-congressional-delegation-co-sponsors-resolution-to-restore-net-neutrality/
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which requires the department of information technology to develop a process for ISPs to certify compliance with net neutrality and consumer protection standards – http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=47&txtFormat=html

New Jersey

• • Established New Jersey Net Neutrality Act in 2018
  • Introduced bill in 2018 which directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prohibit internet providers from carrying out certain installations unless they adhere to net neutrality

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which prohibits any public contracts from being awarded unless providers are adhering to net neutrality
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which requires cable television companies to commit to net neutrality
• Introduced a Senate resolution which urges the President and Congress to restore net neutrality – this was adopted 02/01/18
• Introduced a Senate resolution which urges the attorney general to appeal the FCC’s decision

New Mexico

• Introduced bill in 2018 which relates to trade practices and prohibits those that go against net neutrality – https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/18%20Regular/bills/house/HB0095.pdf and https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/18%20Regular/bills/house/HB0144.pdf – and a bill from the Senate – https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/18%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0039.pdf and https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/18%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0155.pdf
• This was also introduced in 2019 – https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0233.pdf
• Joint memorial which requests that congressional delegation encourage Congress to review the FCC’s decision – https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/18%20Regular/memorials/senate/SJM017.pdf – passed Senate 02/13/18

New York

• Introduced a bill in 2017 which establishes statewide cable franchises to create a competitive cable service – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A04783&term=2017 – enacting clause stricken 01/24/18
• Introduced a bill in 2017 which enacts the Omnibus Telecommunications Reform Act of 2017 – https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A01958&term=2017&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y#A01958
• Introduced a bill in 2017 which relates to instituting internet service neutrality – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A08882&term=2017 – passed assembly 06/19/18 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S07183&term=2017
  • Also introduced in 2019 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A02432&term=2019 and Senate – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S03663&term=2019
• Introduced a bill in 2017 which relates to state contracts being only with providers that adhere to net neutrality – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A09057&term=2017 and https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S07175&term=2017
  • Also introduced in 2019 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A00138&term=2019
• Introduced a bill in 2017 which relates to establishing a commission to study and report on the potential implementation of regulations, rules, and legislation for an open internet in NY – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A09059&term=2017 and https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S07759&term=2017
  • Also introduced in 2019 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A01555&term=2019
• Introduced a bill in 2017 which provides regulatory control of internet service providers by the public service commission, requiring internet neutrality – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S08321&term=2017
  • Also introduced in 2019 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A03642&term=2019 and Senate – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S02263&term=2019
• Enacted into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget for the 2019-2020 state fiscal year; requires state agencies and authorities to enter into contracts only with service providers that adhere to net neutrality principles – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A02008&term=2019 and Senate – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S01508&term=2019
• Enacts the Omnibus Telecommunications Reform Act of 2019 – https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A03693&term=2019
• NY Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed an executive order to oppose the FCC’s decision – https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/01/24/defying-the-fcc-new-yorks-governor-has-signed-an-executive-order-on-net-neutrality/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4094492e9b08

North Carolina

• Bill introduced in 2017 to ensure net neutrality in procurement – https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2017/Bills/House/PDF/H1016v1.pdf
• Bill introduced in 2017 (Senate) to preserve an open internet – https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2017/Bills/Senate/PDF/S736v1.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which proposes the Save the Internet Act whereby an open internet would be restored – https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2019/Bills/Senate/PDF/S308v0.pdf

North Dakota

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Ohio

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019

Oklahoma

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which relates to Corporate Commission, creating the Oklahoma Net Neutrality Protection Act – http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2017-18%20INT/SB/SB1543%20INT.PDF
• Some news reports from Oklahoma suggest that the net neutrality repeal is actually benefiting customers – https://newsok.com/article/5607217/net-neutrality-repeal-is-benefiting-consumers and that it has been the right call – https://newsok.com/article/5618562/net-neutrality-repeal-still-the-right-call
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Oregon

• Introduced bill in 2018 which prohibits public bodies from contracting with internet service providers who do not adhere to net neutrality – https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2018R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4155/Enrolled – signed by governor 04/09/18
• Law enacted – https://www.geekwire.com/2018/oregon-enacts-net-neutrality-law-pacific-northwest-trump-resistance-grows/
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Pennsylvania

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which prohibits internet service providers from engaging in activities that aren’t in line with net neutrality – https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=2062&pn=3052
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to amend title 66 (public utilities) to provide for net neutrality – https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=2117&pn=3062
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to provide for disclosure requirements for broadband internet access service providers – https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=1033&pn=1471
• No new bills introduced in 2019

Rhode Island

• Introduced bill in 2018 which requires internet service providers to follow net neutrality requirements – http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/HouseText18/H7076.pdf
• Introduced a bill which establishes the Net Neutrality Protection Act of 2018 – http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/HouseText18/H7422.pdf
• Introduced a bill (Senate) in 2018 which requires internet service providers to follow net neutrality requirements – http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/SenateText18/S2008A.pdf – bill passed Senate 06/19/18 – http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/SenateText19/S0040.pdf
• Governor signs executive order for net neutrality – http://www.governor.ri.gov/documents/orders/ExecOrder18-02.pdf

South Carolina

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which introduces the South Carolina Net Neutrality Preservation Act – https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess122_2017-2018/bills/4614.htm
  • Also introduced in 2019 – https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/3342.htm and https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/3440.htm
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which enacts the South Carolina Net Neutrality Protection and Maintenance Act – https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess122_2017-2018/prever/4706_20180124.htm

South Dakota

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which establishes certain provisions regarding the state procurement process for internet, data, and telecommunications services – https://sdlegislature.gov/docs/legsession/2018/Bills/SB195P.pdf
• No new bills introduced in 2019
• Senator John Thune is a dominant figure here and suggests net neutrality rescue effort is “exercise in futility” – https://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-rescue-effort-is-exercise-in-futility-says-senator-john-thune/ – he also calls for bipartisan legislation to implement net neutrality through elected representatives, not unelected bureaucrats at the FCC – https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/5/net-neutrality-needs-bipartisan-legislation-not-more-political-theater
• However, reports also suggest that Thune has been paid nearly $1 million by ISPs – https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/05/18/senator-john-thune-net-neutrality/

Tennessee

• Introduced a bill in 2018 to enact the Tennessee Neutrality and Internet Consumer Protection Act – http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB1755.pdf and Senate – http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB1756.pdf
  • Also introduced in 2019 – http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/HB1060.pdf (House) and http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/SB0969.pdf (Senate)
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which requires any ISP offering services within the state to provide a net neutral service – http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB2253.pdf (House) and http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB2183.pdf (Senate)
• Introduced a bill in 2018 to create a task force of the General Assembly to study the effects of overturning the FCC’s decision – http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB2405.pdf (House) and http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB2449.pdf (Senate)
• Governor Bill Haslam wouldn’t sign an executive order preserving net neutrality in the state – https://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/article/20994416/haslam-a-no-on-net-neutrality

Texas

• No bills introduced in 2018
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which prevents mobile internet service providers from impairing or degrading lawful mobile services in disaster areas – https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/pdf/HB01426I.pdf#navpanes=0
• Attorney general is supporting the FCC’s decision to roll back the net neutrality rules – https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/5018702/AK-TX-NB-Net-Neutrality.pdf

Utah

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019
• Representative Brian King opened a bill file in 2018 that would require any ISP who does business in Utah to adhere to net neutrality principles – https://www.deseret.com/2018/7/12/20648913/lawmaker-looks-to-keep-utah-net-neutral

Vermont

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which establishes consumer protection and net neutrality standards for ISPs in Vermont – https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2018/Docs/BILLS/H-0680/H-0680%20As%20Introduced.pdf
• Introduced an act which requires ISPs to certify their compliance with net neutrality standards and consumer protection – https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2018/Docs/ACTS/ACT169/ACT169%20As%20Enacted.pdf – signed by the governor 05/22/18, Act 169
• Executive order signed by the governor and enacted – https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/EO%2002-18%20-%20Internet%20Neutrality%20in%20State%20Procurement%20-%20Final.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2019 which requires ISPs to gain a certificate of compliance from the Security of Administration – https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/BILLS/H-0092/H-0092%20As%20Introduced.pdf
• However, net neutrality law is held off until after the federal appeals court decides the validity of the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality – https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vtd.29596/gov.uscourts.vtd.29596.38.0_1.pdf

Virginia

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which prohibits ISPs from offering or renewing services to consumers without adhering to net neutrality principles – http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?181+ful+HB705
  • Also introduced in 2019 – http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?191+ful+HB1755
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which provides net neutrality requirements for ISPs in the commonwealth – http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?181+ful+SB948 – stricken from docket 01/29/18
• Introduced a bill in 2018 which limits public procurement of ISPs to those who meet certain requirements for neutrality and privacy – http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?181+ful+SB949
• Attorney General Herring files new brief in net neutrality lawsuit – https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/1254-august-21-2018-attorney-general-herring-files-new-brief-in-net-neutrality-lawsuit

Washington

• Introduced bill in 2018 which ensures net neutrality from ISPs – http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2282-S.SL.pdf – signed by governor 03/05/18 – http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2284-S.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2018 (Senate) which establishes the Net Neutrality Act – http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/6423.pdf
• Introduced a bill in 2018 (Senate) which requires ISPs to disclose accurate information to consumers so they can make informed choices – http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/6446.pdf
• No new bills introduced in 2019
• First state to pass net neutrality law
• Governor Jay Inslee standing firm on net neutrality wall despite claims Trump could sue the state – https://www.geekwire.com/2018/washington-gov-inslee-says-state-ready-trump-attack-net-neutrality-law-bring/

West Virginia

• Introduced a bill in 2018 which relates to net neutrality – http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2018_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb4399%20intr.pdf
  • Also introduced in 2019 – http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2019_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb2325%20intr.pdf
• Introduced a bill (Senate) in 2018 which creates the Net Neutrality Act – http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2018_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB396%20INTR.pdf

Wisconsin

• Introduced a bill in 2017 to prohibit the state from contracting to ISPs that didn’t adhere to certain net neutrality rules – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/proposals/ab908.pdf – failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 03/28/18 and https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/proposals/ab909.pdf
• Senate bill along the same lines also introduced in 2017 but met the same failure – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/proposals/sb740.pdf and https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/proposals/sb743.pdf
• No new bills in 2019

Wyoming

• No bills introduced in 2018 or 2019