Enlarge / Washington State Capitol building in Olympia, Washington. (credit: Getty Images | Richard Cummins)

Washington, the first US state to pass a net neutrality law after the repeal of federal rules, might have to get ready for a court battle.

Washington’s legislature and governor defied the Federal Communications Commission’s claim that states cannot implement their own net neutrality rules, and they are likely to face a lawsuit from Internet service providers or their lobby groups. But the legislation’s primary sponsor, State Rep. Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island), is confident that the state will win in court.

Hansen is also a trial lawyer and has litigated preemption questions, he told Ars in an interview this week.