Panel advances bill to strengthen oversight of California Lifeline program

Assemblymember Carrillo told the committee AB 24 24 would improve oversight of the California Lifeline low-income telecommunications program by creating a dedicated advisory board with telecommunications expertise to reduce fraud and duplicate enrollments.

The author cited a Federal Communications Commission Office of Inspector General summary and a CPUC audit that identified large numbers of potentially ineligible or duplicate Lifeline enrollments across states. Dr. Jocelyn Duarte, executive director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund, testified in support and said enhanced technical expertise on the oversight board would help low-income and immigrant communities navigate access barriers.

Industry witnesses raised concerns. Amanda Guadromo of Cal Broadband said an existing Universal Lifeline Telephone Service administrative committee performs advisory functions and warned creating additional advisory bodies could increase costs (potentially passed via surcharges) and duplicate work. Yolanda Benson of USTelecom echoed those concerns.

Members discussed the need to work with opponents on amendments. The committee adopted a do-pass-as-amended recommendation and referred AB 24 24 to Appropriations; the roll call recorded the bill out 7 to 2.