By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved the creation of a 7-member Senate committee to review the Federal Communications Commission’s December 14th ruling that repealed a 2015 Obama-era net neutrality regulation. The ruling overturned the regulation that required Internet service providers to treat all data on the Internet the same and barred them from blocking or slowing down traffic or offering “paid fast lanes.” The committee’s is charged with making recommendations and/or filing legislation that would protect Massachusetts consumers.

The members of the committee were quickly appointed and Sen. Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) will lead the effort.

“This special committee will give the Senate a chance to learn about the difficulties our constituents and businesses may face with the federal government’s wrongheaded net neutrality repeal,” said Senate President Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester). “It is my hope that we can respond to the federal government in a way that best serves the residents of the commonwealth.”

The first public hearing of the committee is in Room 437 of the Statehouse at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

(A “Yes” vote is for creating the committee.)