With the introduction of this legislation, these states become the eighth and ninth states to introduce or consider open access legislation this year, joining Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Vermont, Delaware and Idaho. Both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates held hearings on open access legislation today.

The identical Maryland bills were introduced Friday by Sen. Arthur Dorman (D-Prince George’s County) and Rep. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery). They would require all cable companies operating in Maryland to open their cable lines to Internet service providers (ISPs), thereby giving all consumers a choice in how they access the broadband Internet.

The House Committee on Utilities introduced the Kansas bill, HB 2704 on January 25, 2000. It would add similar requirements on cable companies offering high-speed Internet access in the Jayhawker state.

"The introduction of open access legislation in Maryland and Kansas shows that this issue cuts across geographic and party lines," said Greg Simon, co-director of the openNET Coalition. "No matter whether you are from a rural or urban state, there is a feeling across the country that all Americans deserve a choice in Internet service providers."

"Over the past several years, policy makers have learned that fair competition will benefit consumers, no matter where they live," said Rich Bond, co-director of openNET. "While we applaud recent movements in the marketplace, we will continue to fight until all Americans can benefit from choice and competition."