New Jersey Administrative Code
Title - EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Title 55 - CHRIS CHRISTIE
Section - Executive Order No. 9 (2018)

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024

An Order Mandating All Contracting Units or Officials of Any State Entity to Require that all Future State Contracts for Internet, Data, and Telecommunications be Awarded only to Companies that Adhere to "Net Neutrality" Principles

Issued: February 5, 2018.

Effective: February 5, 2018.

WHEREAS, a free and open Internet is essential for a stronger and fairer economy, and is the bedrock of a vibrant and modern commercial, social, and civic life in today's technology-driven world; and

WHEREAS, New Jerseyans rely on a free and open Internet to communicate with family and friends, engage with their communities, participate in the democratic process, research important personal decisions, expand their knowledge, and enjoy a vast array of entertainment options; and

WHEREAS, New Jerseyans appropriately expect and depend upon the free exchange of information that is protected by net neutrality principles; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey's educational institutions require a free and open Internet to educate their students, promote their social and intellectual growth, and to prepare them to succeed in the global economy; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey students rely on a free and open Internet to take full advantage of the vast amount of information, services, and communications opportunities available through online sources, and to develop into well-rounded citizens engaged in the world beyond their geographic limits; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey businesses need a free and open Internet to reach new markets, compete in the global economy, and attract new, diverse talent; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey has been at the forefront of scientific research, development, and technological advances, and a free and open Internet is necessary for the State to continue to serve as an incubator for innovation; and

WHEREAS, access to a free and open Internet should not be limited only to the economically advantaged; and

WHEREAS, the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") recently illustrated that a free and open Internet is not guaranteed by eliminating net neutrality principles in a way that favors corporate interests over the inteests of New Jerseyans and our fellow Americans; and

WHEREAS, many of the Internet Service Providers ("ISPs") serving New Jerseyans have publicly pledged to continue to abide by the principles protecting a free and open Internet despite the FCC's actions; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey is a significant purchaser of Internet and broadband services; and

WHEREAS, this administration, in its stewardship of taxpayer money, bears the ongoing responsibility to ensure the efficient procurement of goods and services for State entities, and the principles of net neutrality are inherently tied to the provision of reliable, high-quality broadband Internet service for the State; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey state employees use the Internet every day to conduct the business of the State and to serve its citizens, and throttling or paid prioritization could adversely impact these employees' ability to work for and on behalf of New Jerseyans; and

WHEREAS, many New Jersey government services are offered exclusively online, and throttling or paid prioritization could limit New Jerseyans' ready access to these important and often critical government services and inhibit citizens in need from accessing important government services;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT: