Bill > AB353

This bill establishes an Independent Office of Audits and Investigations within the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to enhance accountability and transparency, transferring the existing internal audit unit to this new office by January 1, 2028, and appointing an Inspector General to lead it, who will report findings to the Governor and Legislature. Additionally, the bill mandates that all California internet service providers offer an affordable home internet service plan, defined as at least 50 megabytes per second download and 10 megabytes per second upload for no more than $15 per month, to eligible households, which are those with at least one resident participating in specific public assistance programs. Internet service providers must also make reasonable efforts to advertise these affordable plans and, starting January 1, 2027, report annually to the Department of Technology on their offerings and subscriber numbers, with the Department of Technology, not the PUC, solely responsible for overseeing these affordable internet provisions. This entire section on affordable internet will become inoperative if a federal or state subsidy program for low-income households meeting specific criteria is implemented.