"Net neutrality" bill wins final OK in Senate
By Ann S. Kim Portland Press Herald Staff Writer
AUGUSTA — The Senate today gave its final approval to an amended version of the so-called “net neutrality” bill.
The amended measure calls for the Maine Office of the Public Advocate to monitor activity about Internet access on both the federal and state levels and report to the Legislature’s Utilities Committee by Feb. 1.
The original bill would have prohibited Internet providers from charging Web sites for faster load times, required information to be routed on a first-come, first-served basis and barred the blocking of content.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, said Maine is the first state to enact such legislation.
Senate Republican Leader Carol Weston of Montville characterized the passage of the overhauled bill as a defeat for Strimling. She also said the current version is unnecessary and that the same goal could have been accomplished with a letter.
The bill has received all the necessary votes in both chambers. It now goes to Gov. John Baldacci for his consideration.
This was found at MaineToday.com
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