Bill > AB1303

This bill amends California's Public Utilities Code to strengthen privacy protections for participants in the Lifeline telephone service program, which provides affordable basic telephone service to low-income households. The bill prohibits the Public Utilities Commission, program administrators, and service providers from sharing any applicant or subscriber information with local, state, federal, or immigration authorities without a court-ordered subpoena or valid judicial warrant. While the bill allows information sharing for verifying program eligibility, it restricts the use of personal data and explicitly defines "immigration authority" to include any entity performing immigration enforcement functions. Additionally, the bill allows program administrators to request but not require social security numbers from applicants, and it defines "lawful process" as an action taken through a court-ordered subpoena or judicial warrant. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants, from potential information disclosure that could lead to immigration enforcement actions, while maintaining the program's ability to operate effectively and verify participant eligibility.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1303