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MA H78

MA H78
Relative to assuring a jumpstart in investments in telecoms to preserve access to the internet


summary

Introduced
02/16/2023
In Committee
02/16/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2024

Introduced Session

193rd General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to the awarding of money to municipal agencies for the purpose of expanding, founding, advertising or maintaining of publicly-administered broadband internet service providers. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

AI Summary

This bill aims to establish a Municipal Broadband Development Fund to provide funding for municipal agencies to expand, establish, advertise, or maintain publicly-administered broadband internet service providers (BISPs) that adhere to net neutrality principles. The bill defines key terms such as "BISP," "data cap," "net neutrality," and "open access," and requires state agencies and municipalities to only contract with BISPs that comply with net neutrality certification. The bill also imposes a surtax on any surcharges levied by non-compliant BISPs, with the revenue from this surtax deposited into the Municipal Broadband Development Fund. The goal of the bill is to preserve access to the internet by ensuring the availability of publicly-administered, net-neutral broadband services.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4578 (on 05/06/2024)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H78
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H78.pdf
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