372169F232163E018725826C00739170 Hearing Summary

Representative Herod and Representative Hansen, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1312. The bill disqualifies an internet service provider from receiving High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) grants if the provider engages in:

• blocking lawful internet content;

• paid prioritization of internet content;

• regulating network traffic by modifying bandwidth; and

• not providing transparency of its network management practices.

 

A provider that is determined by the Public Utilities Commission to have engaged in any of these anti-net neutrality practices is required to return any HCSM funds it received during the prior 24 months. The Attorney General's Office and the Broadband Deployment Board must develop guidance for consumers on filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission to allege that a provider has engaged in any of these restricted activities. A governmental body contracting for internet service must give preference to a provider that certifies it will not engage in any of these restricted activities.

 

Representative Hansen distributed to the committee a handout, amendment L.001, and the Legislative Council Staff memorandum concerning the fiscal assessment of proposed amendment HB1312_L.001 [Attachments F through H].

Representative Hansen answered questions from the committee.

Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, answered questions from the committee.

Representative Hansen answered additional questions from the committee.

Ms. Berman answered additional questions from the committee.

Committee discussion with the bill sponsors further ensued. Representative Herod referenced a document from Broadband for America. The bill sponsors continued to answer questions from the committee.

Nicholas Colglazier, Colorado Competitive Council, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jeff Weist, Colorado Cable Telecommunications Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Zack Amdurer, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Nick Gianoutsos, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Randy Chase, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Brianna Titone, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Chase, Representative Herod, and Mr. Amdurer answered questions from the committee.

Elizabeth Steele, Colorado Common Cause, testified in support of the bill.

Denise Maes, American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Ms. Steele answered questions from the committee.

Representative Hansen explained amendment L.001.

Representative Herod and Representative Hansen made concluding remarks about the bill. Committee members made comments regarding the bill.