California Commission discusses Lifeline changes and data privacy concerns

The Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss key issues surrounding the Lifeline Program, which provides affordable communication services to low-income Californians. The meeting focused on proposed changes to the program, particularly the elimination of the requirement for Social Security numbers in applications.

The session began with a presentation on the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) proposed decision to reduce the surcharge for the Lifeline Program from $1.11 to $0.90. This reduction was made in anticipation of increased enrollment, which has already seen a 25% year-over-year rise. The CPUC indicated that the funding for the program remains stable despite the surcharge reduction.

Senator Chobot raised concerns regarding the potential for fraud if Social Security numbers were no longer required for applications. In response, it was clarified that the CPUC had previously evaluated this issue and found that eligibility could be verified through alternative methods, thus mitigating fraud risks without the need for Social Security numbers.

The discussion then shifted to the potential impact of the proposed changes on program participation. A representative noted that while it is difficult to quantify the exact number of additional applicants, the removal of the Social Security number requirement could significantly increase access to affordable communication services for many Californians.

Senator Wahab expressed concerns about the potential loss of federal funding, which could amount to approximately $100 million, and emphasized the importance of protecting personal data from third-party vendors. The author of the bill acknowledged these concerns and expressed willingness to consider amendments that would enhance privacy protections.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the proposed changes and their implications for both program funding and participant privacy. The committee aims to ensure that the Lifeline Program continues to serve its intended purpose while addressing the concerns raised during the session.