Calif. net neutrality bill passes

Internet companies warn it will lead to higher costs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Assembly voted Wednesday to enshrine net neutrality in state law, delivering a major victory to advocates looking to require an equal playing field on the internet.

In the latest effort by California lawmakers to drive national policy and rebuff President Donald Trump, one of the nation’s most aggressive efforts to revive regulations repealed last year by the Federal Communications Commission was approved. The rules prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

The 58-17 vote Thursday was lopsided after the Assembly was seen as a potential barrier to the bill’s passage. It returns to the Senate, which passed an earlier version and is expected to sign off on changes from the Assembly before the Legislature adjourns on Friday.

“We all know why we’re here. It’s pretty clear,” said Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, a Los Angeles Democrat. “The Trump administration destroyed the internet as we know it.”

The Assembly’s vote followed months of intense lobbying from internet companies, which warned it would lead to higher costs.

California’s net neutrality debate is being closely watched by advocates around the country, who are looking to the home of Silicon Valley to drive momentum in other states or create pressure for Congress to enact nationwide protections.

“Net neutrality is … coming back with a vengeance,” said Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, an advocacy group that is pushing to preserve net neutrality.

Internet providers say they’ve publicly committed to upholding the values of net neutrality, but strict rules like California’s would inhibit investment in faster technology.