H 78 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to assuring a jumpstart in investments in telecoms to preserve access to the internet

This bill creates a new Municipal Broadband Development Fund to provide financial support for local governments expanding or maintaining public internet services. It establishes strict net neutrality rules, requiring that any provider receiving these funds cannot charge data caps, fees for faster speeds, or prioritize specific content. Additionally, the legislation mandates that state and local agencies must stop renewing contracts with internet providers that fail to meet these neutrality standards. A new tax is also proposed to collect a portion of any fees charged by broadband providers, with those funds directed into the development fund. Ultimately, the law aims to ensure that publicly funded internet access remains open and affordable for all residents.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 6, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
lower
0 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.