Bill > AB1271

This bill aims to enhance transparency and consumer protections for broadband internet service providers in California by establishing several key requirements. The legislation would mandate that broadband providers submit annual reports to the Department of Consumer Affairs (or potentially the Department of Broadband and Digital Equity) containing detailed pricing and speed data at the census tract level, including advertised speeds, actual performance, total consumer costs, and plan structures. The department would be required to publish an annual report analyzing this data and make it publicly accessible. The bill also establishes a comprehensive consumer complaint resolution process, requiring providers to create dedicated channels for consumer complaints, respond within seven business days, and resolve issues within 30-60 days. If providers fail to resolve complaints in a timely manner, consumers would be entitled to remedies such as service credits, refunds, or hardware replacements, including a mandatory minimum $50 credit for unresolved complaints beyond 60 days. Providers that fail to comply with these provisions could face administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per day. The legislation is contingent upon sufficient funding being appropriated by the Legislature and is designed to ensure that broadband subscribers receive reliable service, transparent pricing, and effective customer support, with the ultimate goal of promoting digital equity and consumer protection in California.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1271