Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim) authors AB 1303

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) is proud to author Assembly Bill (AB) 1303, which aims to strengthen privacy protections for Californians in the Lifeline Program. Administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the Lifeline Program provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible low-income households.

 "AB 1303 ensures that Californians can access essential communication services without fear of unnecessary government overreach,” said Assemblymember Valencia. "This bill reinforces our commitment to protecting the privacy of residents who rely on the Lifeline Program.”

"Low-income Californians should not be the targets of random government intrusion simply because they want affordable telephone service.  AB 1303 makes clear there are legal protocols to follow if the federal government wants to access someone's personal information" said Mark Toney, Executive Director The Utility Reform Network (TURN).

AB 1303 mandates that the CPUC must obtain a judicial warrant before sharing customer data with federal agencies. It also ensures that the CPUC will not require customers' social security numbers. By strengthening data security, AB 1303 aims to encourage more residents to subscribe to the Lifeline Program, confident that their privacy is protected.

AB 1303 is pending a hearing in the Assembly.

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Assemblymember Valencia proudly represents the 68th Assembly district which includes the cities of Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana. Valencia chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.