California Lawmaker Trying to Pass Digital Discrimination Law
A California bill could penalize providers ‘even if they are not intentionally withholding adequate Internet from a protected group.’

A California bill could penalize providers ‘even if they are not intentionally withholding adequate Internet from a protected group.’
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2024 – A California lawmaker wants to pass a digital discrimination law in case similar federal rules under attack in a Missouri court do not survive.
If passed, House Bill 2239, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, an Oakland Democrat, would identify and penalize discrimination based on disparate impact outcomes across communities served by Internet service providers.
What constitutes an 'invidious' DEI policy in regulators' eyes?
Democrats warn the law will fall flat without a functional FTC to enforce it.
Providers had asked for several changes, including to how the agency determined the presence of unsubsidized competitors.
Supporters argue the bill would preserve agency expertise in complex rulemaking