Bill

A 7126

Relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 8 co-sponsors

Requires state internet contracts to be awarded only to net neutrality compliant ISPs, with verification and enforcement to ensure adherence.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 7126

Summary of Bill A 7126

Fiscal/Legislative Context: This bill would require state contracts to be awarded only to internet service providers (ISPs) that are compliant with net neutrality principles. It is currently in committee stage.

Purpose and Intent

The central aim is to ensure that the state’s contracting with ISPs adheres to net neutrality standards. In practice, this means restricting eligibility for state contracts to providers that meet those standards.

Key Provisions (High-Level)

Eligibility for State Contracts: The bill would prohibit awarding state contracts for internet service to ISPs that are not net neutrality compliant.
Net Neutrality Compliance: The legislation would establish criteria or processes to determine whether an ISP meets net neutrality requirements, with the specifics to be defined in the bill’s provisions.
Procurement Process Adjustments: Implicitly, the procurement framework would incorporate net neutrality compliance as a condition of bid eligibility or contract award.
Compliance and Oversight: The statute would set forth mechanisms to verify and enforce net neutrality compliance among bidding ISPs, though the exact enforcement tools and procedures would be determined by the bill text.

Note: The precise standards, certification requirements, verification methods, timelines, and penalties (if any) are not provided in the summary and would appear in the full bill text.

Affected Parties

State Agencies and Authorities: Entities that procure internet services for state operations would be required to award contracts only to net neutrality–compliant ISPs.
Internet Service Providers: Vendors bidding on state contracts would need to demonstrate net neutrality compliance to be eligible for contracts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: March 20, 2025.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
Legislative Actions: The record shows two identical referrals to the same committee on the same date.
Related/Companion Legislation: Several related bills exist, including S 6066 (companion) and prior-session counterparts (e.g., S 7175, A 9057, A 138, A 1239, A 4594), indicating ongoing interest in aligning procurement with net neutrality in multiple bill forms.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Public Policy Alignment: If enacted, the bill would align state contracting with net neutrality principles, potentially shaping the competitive landscape for ISPs seeking public contracts.
Procurement Process: Could require new compliance checks, vendor certifications, or audits as part of bidding and contracting processes.
Market Effects: May influence which ISPs are able to win state contracts, possibly encouraging broader adherence to net neutrality standards among providers.
Implementation Details: The success and impact depend on the bill’s specific definitions of net neutrality standards, verification procedures, and enforcement mechanisms, which are not included in the summary.

What to Watch

Committee action and any amendments clarifying standards, verification, and penalties.
Whether the bill defines “net neutrality compliance” and the method for demonstrating it (certifications, attestations, audits, or other criteria).
Any fiscal implications or required funding for enforcement or compliance activities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.