Bill > H95

This bill establishes a new Municipal Broadband Development Fund and creates regulations for broadband internet service providers (BISPs) with a focus on net neutrality. The bill defines key terms such as net neutrality, open access, and paid prioritization, and requires the state department to create a net neutrality seal and certification process for BISPs. Specifically, the bill mandates that BISPs must provide internet service without data caps, paid prioritization, or additional surcharges, and must ensure open access to web content. The state treasurer and department will develop a competitive bidding procedure to award money to municipal agencies for expanding, founding, advertising, or maintaining publicly-administered broadband internet services. State agencies and municipalities will be prohibited from renewing contracts with BISPs that do not comply with net neutrality standards. Additionally, the bill establishes that any BISP found in violation of net neutrality guidelines must repay awarded funds plus an additional 5% penalty. The fund can receive money from state appropriations, gifts, grants, federal reimbursements, and earned interest, with the goal of preserving and expanding internet access across municipalities.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H95