California Net Neutrality Bill ‘Illegal,’ FCC’s Pai Says

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has blasted a California net neutrality bill as “illegal,” signaling possible agency action if the state’s Democratic governor signs the measure into law.

Pai’s comment shows the Federal Communications Commission is girding for a likely legal battle with states over net neutrality, specifically whether the commission has the authority to preempt state-based regulations. Lawmakers in California and 29 other states have introduced bills to adopt net neutrality principles, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“Broadband is an interstate service; Internet traffic doesn’t recognize state lines,” Pai said in a Sept. 14 speech in Maine, ...