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 Tinnan, director of race equity and legislative policy at TURN, told the committee the California Public Utilities Commission issued a 2014 decision saying Social Security numbers are not required to verify Lifeline applicants but has not implemented that decision. Tinnan said, “the commission has not implemented this decision to date. Meaning eligible people are being denied access to the program.” She and the bill’s proponents argued the application process and the risk of data sharing with immigration enforcement deter eligible people — including survivors of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness and victims of identity theft — from enrolling.

Ignacio Hernandez of Communication Workers of America District 9 registered support in the hearing room. Committee members including Assemblymember Rogers and Assemblymember Lowenthal echoed concerns about data use and commended the bill’s privacy protections. Rogers said he appreciated the bill and noted related discussions in a budget subcommittee earlier in the day.

The bill’s text, as described to the committee, would: (1) make clear that Social Security numbers are not required to apply for California Lifeline while still allowing applicants to provide them if they wish; (2) bar the CPUC from disclosing subscriber information to immigration enforcement without a California judicial warrant or subpoena; and (3) include conforming language to the extent required by the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

The committee moved AB 1303 with a motion by Assemblymember Lowenthal, seconded by Assemblymember Arons. The roll call recorded eight ayes (Berner; Arons; Bonta; Colosa; Garcia; Lowenthal; Rogers; Rubio) and two no votes (Hoover; Castillo). The committee’s action was a due-pass recommendation and the measure was re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary for further consideration.

Supporters told the committee the bill could expand access to communications services funded by Lifeline surcharges — services proponents said are essential for emergency calls, accessing health care and benefits, and other basic needs. Opponents did not appear in the hearing room record. The committee left the file open for additional members to add their names.

AB 1303 now heads to the Judiciary Committee with the Communications and Conveyance Committee’s due-pass recommendation.