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Rep. Sebelia introduces bill to expand consumer protections for broadband and VoIP services
Summary
Representative Laura Sebelia introduced H.11, the Vermont Broadband Consumer Protection and Competition Act, proposing net-neutrality compliance requirements, bans on misleading marketing and hidden fees, emergency disconnection protections, and new enforcement authority for the attorney general and Department of Public Service.
Representative Laura Sebelia introduced H.11, the "Vermont Broadband Consumer Protection and Competition Act," to the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on Feb. 4, 2025, proposing expanded consumer protections for broadband and VoIP services across Vermont.
Sebelia told the committee the bill would strengthen oversight and accountability for providers, saying the measure would "ensure broadband and VoIP providers operate fairly and transparently" and would expand net-neutrality compliance beyond government contracts. She recounted a constituent story to illustrate the stakes: "She was told [service] would be out for more than a week, and she had no way to contact emergency services," she said.
The bill would require a certificate of net-neutrality compliance for all providers operating in Vermont; ban misleading marketing, hidden fees, unfair data caps and termination penalties; require reimbursement when providers fail to deliver contracted service; and add emergency protections to prevent disconnections or excessive fees during declared emergencies. It would also give the attorney general authority to investigate alleged unfair practices and impose penalties for false reporting, and it would direct the Department of Public Service to monitor VoIP reliability in rural areas.
During the committee’s limited introduction period, Sebelia said she had "initial conversations" with the attorney general’s office and the Department of Public Service but had not yet received information about whether the administration supports the proposal. Committee members asked general questions about overlap with existing consumer assistance programs. Sebelia responded that gaps remain in current assistance and that market-monitoring and enhanced oversight are central goals of the bill.
H.11 was introduced as a ten-minute pitch; the committee did not take testimony or vote on the bill during this session. Committee members indicated they will schedule more detailed hearings and follow-up conversations with affected agencies and providers before any formal action.
