California would add a board and fairer rules for Lifeline

The commission would add two members to the Low-Income Oversight Board. The board advises the commission on low-income electricity, gas, telecommunications, and water customers. The commission selects both members. The low-income community member cannot be affiliated with a state agency or utility group; the provider representative must work for a wireless Lifeline provider headquartered in California.

The bill would establish a Low-Income Telecommunications Advisory Board and require the commission to work with it. The five-member board would advise the commission on low-income telecommunications customer issues and connect it with customers and stakeholders. Its members would include people with community expertise, wireline and wireless Lifeline providers, and an organization experienced in advocacy before the commission. The commission would provide technical support and work with interested parties and community groups. It would also give formal notice of board meetings. The board may create a technical committee. Its members may receive travel costs and, if they are not salaried state employees, reasonable pay for attending meetings.

The commission would administer the Lifeline program in a technologically inclusive way and could not favor or disfavor providers through its rules. These rules apply to the commission’s administration of the Universal Lifeline Telephone Service program. The commission could still take enforcement action against Lifeline providers.