Net Neutrality Becomes Law in Oregon: Governor Brown Signs HB 4155
Posted on April 10, 2018 by Samuel Pastrick
Tags, Telecommunications, General Interest
On Monday, April 9, Governor Kate Brown signed HB 4155 into law. Earlier this spring, CUB worked hard to pass this legislation, which offers net neutrality protections for Oregon Internet Customers. The bill signing ceremony took place at Mt. Tabor Middle School. Three students emceed the event. The three also delivered supportive testimony at the opening hearing for HB 4155 back in February.
It is easy to forget that young people today have only ever known a world where educational, governmental, and business interactions occur largely online. Therefore, they more easily appreciate the necessity of a free, fair, and open Internet or – conversely – the incentive among Internet service providers to restrict access and hinder service quality for their benefit.
In her remarks, Governor Brown quoted a line from one of the students’ legislative testimony: “When kids get involved, you know something is really screwed up.” Other key points from the Governor included an acknowledgment of the importance to democratize information access and the free cost of free speech. Brown also highlighted the increasing importance of network neutrality for the business community, especially smaller startups.
Also in attendance were HB 4155 Sponsor, House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson as well as several co-sponsors: Representatives Barbara Smith Warner, Alissa Keny-Guyer, Andrea Salinas, and Senator Michael Dembrow. Majority Leader Williamson also made a point to acknowledge the advocacy efforts of CUB’s Outreach Manager, Samuel Pastrick and Advocacy Director, Janice Thompson, as well as CUB’s primary lobbying partner on this issue, Kimberly McCullough of ACLU-Oregon.
With CUB as HB 4155’s consumer protection advocate, Oregon is the second state after Washington to adopt net neutrality legislation. Other states codified rules via Executive Order, and California may soon pass legislation of their own. Such action is appropriate and necessary given the Federal Communications Commission December decision to overturn federal net neutrality rules.
Enforcement of HB 4155 begins January 1, 2019. After that point, State agencies, as well as all public bodies within Oregon (counties, cities, and towns) cannot enter into new contracts with Internet service providers who block legal content, throttle Internet traffic, or prioritize certain content for payment. This is a big win for Oregon Internet customers, and CUB is proud to have served as the key consumer advocate voice working on this successful legislative effort.
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09/05/22 | 0 Comments | Net Neutrality Becomes Law in Oregon: Governor Brown Signs HB 4155