With Congress unable to reach an agreement on sweeping changes to the nation’s communications laws, the debate is shifting to the states. Laws being crafted now — under intense pressure from media industry lobbyists — will profoundly impact the future of the Internet, cable TV and local media. Issues like Net Neutrality, bridging the digital divide and public access TV are at stake.

Contact Your State Representatives and urge them to support media policies that serve the public interest.

Now is the time for the public to get involved to make sure this legislation is written with the public interest in mind. Click on your state in the map below to find out what’s happening.

States with current or pending legislation

States with recently enacted or defeated legislation

The Issues

The bills now moving through state legislatures will influence how you will be able to use the communications networks of tomorrow. They’ll decide who will have access to new technologies and services and how much they’ll cost. The rules written now will determine if the broadest sources of culture and information will be available to everyone.

While each bill is different, several key policy issues are at stake:

Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality means no discrimination on the Internet. States are considering measures to show their support for this fundamental principle that prevents big phone and cable companies from interfering or favoring certain Web sites and services based on their source, ownership or destination.

Video Franchising
States are deciding how to handle the entrance of new competitors — primarily phone companies — into the television market. Traditionally, cable companies have agreed to “local franchise agreements” with cities and towns. But now the companies are pushing to negotiate these deals statewide.

Build-Out Requirements
A key part of franchise agreements, build-out requirements prevent powerful cable and phone companies from “cherry-picking” certain wealthier neighborhoods while avoiding others. They make sure the entire community gets access to advanced networks on a reasonable timetable.

PEG/Public Access TV
In exchange for lucrative local franchises, video providers have provided public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels — which broadcast local voices, cover local issues, and show exactly how local government works. Some of these outlets are now endangered.

Community Internet
High-speed broadband access is becoming a public necessity. In many places where many people cannot access or afford Internet service, local governments are working with innovative businesses to build “Community Internet” systems. Industry lobbyists have tried to outlaw these local competitors.