Maine governor signs net neutrality bill

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) on Tuesday signed a net neutrality bill into law. 

The amended bill says that internet service providers receiving state funds must provide “net neutral service, which is defined as service provided without blocking lawful content, throttling or engaging in paid prioritization where some traffic is favored in exchange for payment. 

{mosads}The law requires providers contracted by the state to abide by the 2015 Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet Order, which was repealed in 2017.

“The internet is a powerful economic and educational tool that can open doors of opportunity for Maine people and small businesses,” Mills said in a statement from her office. “That potential should not be limited by internet service providers interested in increasing their profits.”

She added that she hopes federal authorities will restore net neutrality, but that she sees the new state law “as a positive step forward for Maine and as a sign that we will protect a free and open internet for Maine people.”

According to The Associated Press, the law will become effective in September.