California’s strict net neutrality bill is close to final passage

Enlarge / Rally organizers carry away props following a protest outside the Federal Communication Commission building against the end of net neutrality rules on December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. (credit: Getty Images | Chip Somodevilla )

A California state net neutrality bill described as the strongest in the country was approved by a key legislative committee yesterday and is close to final passage.

The bill was approved 9-3 by the state Assembly's Communications and Conveyance Committee, and is "head[ing] to the Assembly floor for a vote next week," bill author Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced yesterday. All nine yes votes came from Democrats while the three no votes were made by Republicans.

"Today's committee action sending SB 822 to the floor is a big step forward, but we continue to face a huge fight, as the big telecom and cable companies will stop at nothing to kill the bill," Wiener said. "Yet, we have momentum and the support of a broad and diverse coalition that understands the importance of a free and open internet for everyone. I look forward to working with our supporters and everyday Californians to get this vital piece of legislation to the governor's desk."

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