California Bill Lets Renters Escape Exclusive Deals Between ISPs and Landlords

California's legislature this week approved a bill to let renters opt out of bulk-billing arrangements that force them to pay for Internet service from a specific provider. ArsTechnica: The bill says that by January 1, a landlord must 'allow the tenant to opt out of paying for any subscription from a third-party Internet service provider, such as through a bulk-billing arrangement, to provide service for wired Internet, cellular, or satellite service that is offered in connection with the tenancy.' If a landlord fails to do so, the tenant 'may deduct the cost of the subscription to the third-party Internet service provider from the rent,' and the landlord would be prohibited from retaliating.

The bill passed the state Senate in a 30-7 vote on Wednesday but needs Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature to become law. It was approved by the state Assembly in a 75-0 vote in April. Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, a Democratic lawmaker who authored the bill, told Ars today that lobby groups for Internet providers and real estate companies have been 'working really hard' to defeat it. But she expects Newsom will approve. 'I strongly believe that the governor is going to look at what this bill provides as far as protections for tenants and sign it into law,' Ransom said in a phone interview.

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