Assembly committee approves bill to ease Lifeline enrollment and restrict data sharing with immigration enforcement

The Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance on an aye vote recommended AB 1303, a bill to increase participation in the California Lifeline program by clarifying that applicants need not provide a Social Security number and by limiting when the California Public Utilities Commission may share subscriber data with federal immigration authorities.

Assemblymember Valencia, the bill’s author, told the committee AB 1303 would “increase participation in the California Lifeline” program by “specifying that a Social Security number is not needed to apply.” She said the bill also would “protect program subscribers' privacy by prohibiting the CPUC from sharing any personal information with immigration enforcement without a court issued warrant or subpoena.”

Supporters, including Adrienne…