Golden State Today

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta has commended the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) draft order proposing to reestablish federal net neutrality protections. Bonta stated, “Everyone deserves equal access to the internet.”

Bonta also highlighted California's leadership in this area, mentioning the state's strong net neutrality law, Senate Bill 822, which has been crucial in safeguarding internet access for the state's residents. He praised the federal government's initiative to reinstate net neutrality rules nationwide and acknowledged the draft order for recognizing the vital role states like California play in protecting net neutrality.

The FCC's draft order acknowledges the alignment between California's net neutrality law and the proposed federal rules. The FCC stated, “California law generally tracks the federal rules we restore today,” and emphasized that there is “no reason at this time to preempt California from independently enforcing” federal or state net neutrality requirements.

The FCC is set to vote on the draft order at their next Open Commission Meeting on April 25, 2024. Net neutrality rules aim to protect consumers by ensuring access to online content without interference from internet service providers. California's SB 822 was enacted in response to the repeal of federal net neutrality regulations in 2018, under the Trump Administration, to protect residents within the state's jurisdiction.