NC H861

State agencies are prohibited from contracting with broadband providers that manage networks to favor certain traffic for payment, block lawful content, degrade traffic to discriminate against services, or unreasonably interfere with users' ability to access content of their choice.

Exceptions allow contracts with prohibited providers if they are the sole provider in a geographic area, engage in reasonable network management (defined as technical necessity with no intent to impact other business processes), address copyright infringement or unlawful activity, or provide significant public benefit without inhibiting broadband openness.

Broadband providers must disclose all information about network management practices and service terms to the Secretary of Information Technology for compliance verification, covering both fixed and mobile broadband access.

The Department of Information Technology shall establish a telephone number and online reporting mechanism for public complaints about net neutrality violations in state procurement.

The bill appropriates $150,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2019-2020 to create one full-time position in the Broadband Infrastructure Office, becomes effective January 1, 2020 for contracts entered into or renewed on or after that date.