AUGUSTA – A measure sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, to establish net neutrality standards in Maine is now law.
As amended, LD 536 requires an internet service provider (ISP) to offer net neutral service to customers in the state – meaning all internet traffic must be treated equally. A violation of the requirements of this law is a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, which is enforced by the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
“When the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron deference, I knew that now was the time to act on net neutrality,” said Kessler. “Net neutrality is critical to preserving a healthy democracy, particularly in an age where the sitting federal administration is using lawfare and withholding federal funding to silence people they perceive as a threat. It ensures that under state law, internet service providers who might feel that pressure can’t become gatekeepers that censor or discriminate against online content based on viewpoint or financial interests.”
The new law includes provisions that still allow ISPs to offer service plans with different speed and data limits, as well as income-based eligibility, promotional offers and legacy pricing – as long as all lawful internet traffic is treated equally within each plan.
LD 536 passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support in early June. The new law will go into effect on Sept. 24, 2025.
Kessler is serving his fourth term in the Maine House representing part of South Portland and part of Cape Elizabeth. He serves on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Kessler) | 305-965-2744