After a rollback of federal rules to preserve access to the open internet, Oregon lawmakers and activists plan to seek a new state law to require internet service providers to abide by "net neutrality."

Their efforts face political hurdles, though, and might not stand up in court even if they succeed.

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all online traffic equally. They should not charge extra to visit specific sites or prioritize faster access for some sites.

Open internet activists warn that without those protections, people might have to pay more to get high-definition streams from Netflix or for access to social networks. Opponents say net neutrality amounts to unnecessary regulation that could impede online innovation.

The issue has special resonance in Oregon. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, is among the most vocal proponents of net neutrality and Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, is a leading opponent.

Under the Obama administration, the Federal Communications Commission implemented rules mandating net neutrality. But in December, under the Trump administration, the FCC voted to repeal those rules.

Rep. Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland, said Wednesday that she intends to incorporate net neutrality provisions into an online privacy bill first filed last year. Williamson is the House majority leader, so she has some say in what lawmakers consider. But her internet privacy bill didn't pass last year, and it will have to compete with other priorities during the short legislative session that starts next month.

Meanwhile, a group called Oregonians for Net Neutrality said it will start gathering signatures for an initiative to enforce net neutrality the state. Initiatives need nearly 90,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot, and activists file initiatives each year that fall far short of that threshold.

Oregon is one of several states considering their own net neutrality legislation, but legal scholars and the FCC say federal law takes priority. So any action in Oregon is sure to face a court challenge, though the fight might raise the issue's profile with voters.

Meanwhile, Oregon is one of 21 states suing to overturn the FCC's new rules. And Democrats say they're close to having enough Senate votes to reinstitute net neutrality rules. That's a symbolic effort, though, because there aren't enough votes in the House to overturn the rules let alone overturn a prospective presidential veto.

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699