Public utilities: Public Utilities Commission: telecommunications: broadband internet access service.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to modernize California’s approach to broadband deployment and digital equity by establishing a new Broadband and Digital Equity Commission and transferring responsibilities from the California Broadband Council to this new commission. It also expands the definition of ‘public utility’ to include corporations providing telecommunications services, updates definitions related to medical information privacy, and modifies existing laws regarding public works and wage requirements. The bill is contingent on voter approval of Proposition 9.
Key provisions
- Creates the Broadband and Digital Equity Commission with specific membership and responsibilities.
- Repeals the California Broadband Council and transfers its functions to the new commission, effective July 1, 2028.
- Expands the definition of ‘public utility’ to include telecommunications corporations.
- Updates the definition of ‘medical information’ to strengthen privacy protections.
- Modifies the California Teleconnect Fund, California Advanced Services Fund, and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program to be administered by the new Broadband Commission.
- Requires the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity to assume administrative functions of existing broadband programs.
- Specifies that the Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund is available to the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity.
- Requires the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity to maintain a statewide broadband accessibility map.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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