On March 23, 2018, the Special Senate Committee on Net Neutrality and Consumer Protection (the Committee) released a report recommending legislation aimed at ensuring net neutrality in Massachusetts. The report and legislation are being presented in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) December 2017 order reversing rules instituted during the Obama Administration deeming internet service a public utility and requiring internet providers to treat traffic equally.

Since being established on January 18, 2018, the Committee held a public hearing, reviewed federal and state statutes and regulations, studied FCC orders, and met with relevant state agencies, consumer advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders. Senator Cynthia Creem has served as the Committee’s chair, Senator Bruce Tarr has served as Vice Chair, and Senators Mike Barrett, Jamie Eldridge, Eric Lesser, Barbara L’Italien, and Patrick O’Connor have been members.