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AB 1271

Communications: broadband internet service providers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Bonta

AB 1271 - Communications: Broadband Internet Service Providers OverviewBill Number: AB 1271 Title: Communications: broadband internet service providers Status: In committee: Held

In committee: Held under submission.
#communications #broadbandinternetserviceproviders
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Bill Summary · AB 1271

AB 1271 - Communications: Broadband Internet Service Providers

Overview

Bill Number: AB 1271
Title: Communications: broadband internet service providers
Status: In committee: Held under submission
Introduced: February 21, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of AB 1271 is to increase transparency and consumer protections for broadband internet service in California. The bill aims to address concerns about high prices, limited competition, and lack of information for customers of major internet service providers (ISPs).

Key Provisions

  • Requires all broadband ISPs operating in California to publicly disclose their pricing, speeds, data caps, and other key service details
  • Prohibits ISPs from charging customers early termination fees or imposing data overage charges without providing clear advance notice
  • Mandates that ISPs offer a low-cost, high-speed internet plan option for qualifying low-income households
  • Establishes a state-run broadband consumer complaint hotline and investigation process to address service issues

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Broadband internet customers in California, who would benefit from greater transparency, consumer protections, and affordable service options
  • Major ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, and Charter, which would face new disclosure and pricing requirements
  • Low-income households, who would gain access to discounted high-speed internet plans
  • The California Public Utilities Commission, which would oversee the new consumer complaint and investigation process

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 1271 was introduced in the California State Assembly on February 21, 2025 and has been referred to the Communications and Conveyance Committee, where it is currently being held under submission. The bill will need to pass through several more committee hearings and floor votes in both the Assembly and State Senate before potentially being signed into law by the Governor. If enacted, the new broadband transparency and consumer protection requirements would take effect within 6 months.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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