Whereas, net neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminate or charge differently based on user, content, site, platform, application, or mode of communication; and

Whereas, hundreds of organizations have come out in support of net neutrality including Amazon, ACLU, and Google; and

Whereas, the Federal Communications Commission can regulate the Internet according to the power granted to it by the Communications Act of 1934; and

Whereas, the libraries in Montana need to provide free and open access to the Internet for their patrons for educational, personal, and entertainment purposes; and

Whereas, the Governor for the State of Montana signed an executive order that provides the principles of Internet Neutrality for State procurement only; and

Whereas, all Montanans need a free and open Internet to obtain information, conduct research, communicate, and organize in support of, or in opposition to, government actions resulting in expanded citizen participation in their democracy.

Therefore be it resolved that the Montana Library Association board and its members urge Montana’s State and Federal elected officials to support or sponsor any bill that protects net neutrality, or oppose any bill that attempts to block the Internet from being free and open.

Adopted by the Montana Library Association
April 13, 2018