Proposed Bill No. 5645, introduced by Representative Blumenthal of the 147th District, aims to amend the general statutes to mandate that Internet service providers (ISPs) entering into contracts with the state adopt a net neutrality policy. This policy would require ISPs to certify that they will not block lawful content, applications, services, or nonharmful devices, except for reasonable network management that must be disclosed to consumers. Additionally, ISPs must not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic based on content, application, service, or use of nonharmful devices, again subject to disclosed reasonable network management.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that ISPs must not engage in paid prioritization or accept any consideration to manage their network in a way that benefits specific content, applications, services, or devices. ISPs are also required to publicly disclose accurate information regarding their network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of their broadband Internet access services. This disclosure is intended to provide consumers with sufficient information to make informed choices regarding the use of such services. The purpose of the bill is to ensure that ISPs that are state contractors adhere to net neutrality principles.