Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 29, 2018 08:26 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tim Briggs |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Net Neutrality |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will ensure a free and open Internet in Pennsylvania. As you know, in December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reversed prior decisions and took steps to repeal net neutrality regulations. Without these protections, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) would be able to block, slow, or speed up websites depending on content or service agreements. The loss of free and open communication and commerce is a drastic problem for our Commonwealth. My bill seeks to provide net neutrality standards in Pennsylvania and prohibit the dangerous precedent set by the FCC. Based on a California bill, my bill would prohibit an ISP from blocking, degrading, or impairing lawful Internet traffic based on content, application, or service. My bill would also prohibit the practice of allowing certain websites preferential treatment, if that website agrees to pay a fee or sum. In addition, my bill will have a procurement clause that will require the Commonwealth to only purchase Internet services from ISPs that abide by the principals of net neutrality. All websites, large or small, should be provided to the consumer at the same speed. Thousands and thousands of Pennsylvanians use Commonwealth owned websites for information and services every day. If we allow Internet speed throttling or prioritization, we risk putting Pennsylvanians at a disadvantage or worse in peril. In the 21st century, our marketplace, entertainment center, library, and information exchange is located on the Internet. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important bill and ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to a world of information. |
Introduced as HB2117