The proposed bill, H.11, known as the Vermont Broadband Consumer Protection and Competition Act, aims to enhance consumer protections for broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in Vermont by introducing a new subchapter to existing law. This legislation establishes a net neutrality compliance requirement for broadband providers, prohibits misleading marketing practices, and restricts excessive fees that limit consumer choice. It also mandates that broadband providers maintain records of consumer complaints and submit annual reports to the Attorney General, which will help monitor market trends and ensure accountability. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining broadband access during declared states of emergency, prohibiting disconnections and unreasonably high prices during such times.

The bill further empowers the Attorney General to assess compliance costs against broadband providers, maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, and submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing market competition and consumer complaints. It also establishes a program for monitoring VoIP services, focusing on public safety during outages, and tasks the Commissioner of Public Service with reviewing outage reports and developing consumer education initiatives. Notably, the bill repeals a previous statute regarding the Attorney General's review of broadband providers' network management practices, indicating a shift in regulatory focus. The act is set to take effect upon passage.