Representative Herod and Representative Hansen, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1312. The bill disqualifies an internet service provider from receiving High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) grants if the provider engages in:
• blocking lawful internet content;
• paid prioritization of internet content;
• regulating network traffic by modifying bandwidth; and
• not providing transparency of its network management practices.
A provider that is determined by the Public Utilities Commission to have engaged in any of these anti-net neutrality practices is required to return any HCSM funds it received during the prior 24 months. The Attorney General's Office and the Broadband Deployment Board must develop guidance for consumers on filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission to allege that a provider has engaged in any of these restricted activities. A governmental body contracting for internet service must give preference to a provider that certifies it will not engage in any of these restricted activities.
Representative Hansen distributed to the committee a handout, amendment L.001, and the Legislative Council Staff memorandum concerning the fiscal assessment of proposed amendment HB1312_L.001 [Attachments F through H].