Will California Gut Its Net Neutrality Law to Comply with Trump Admin Demands?
In 2021, America approved $65 billion to fund broadband internet services as part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. But Trump's administration announced they'd withhold funds from states with net neutrality protections... States could object and sue the government, Ars Technica reported last October, "but even a successful lawsuit could take years and leave unserved homes…
California's net neutrality law faces potential gutting due to the Trump administration's condition that federal broadband funds cannot be used to enforce such laws. The Biden administration approved $65 billion for broadband in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but the Trump administration intends to withhold funds from states with net neutrality protections.
California anticipates spending $1.4 billion to connect 270,571 locations to broadband. The state's law prohibits ISPs from blocking or throttling lawful traffic and forbids fees from websites or services to deliver or prioritize content. The second Trump administration aims to replicate the first's failed attempt to preempt state net neutrality laws by making federal broadband money contingent on states refraining from enforcing net neutrality.
California and Illinois are the only states yet to finalize their funding. While California could still enforce its law while accepting federal funds, it would likely result in a protracted legal battle over its authority to regulate broadband providers. Nearly 30 technology access advocacy groups have urged state leaders to defend the law in a letter.
Accepting the funding might set a dangerous precedent, as the Trump administration could leverage federal dollars to compel states to conform to its agenda.
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