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Bill

AB 353

Public Utilities Commission: Independent Office of Audits and Investigations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tasha Boerner

California bill requiring internet service providers to offer affordable broadband plans to low-income households to reduce the digital divide.

From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.
#independentofficeofauditsandinvestigations #publicutilitiescommission
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Bill Summary · AB 353

Legislative bill overview

AB 353 requires broadband internet service providers in California to offer affordable home internet service plans to eligible low-income households. The bill establishes affordability standards and appears to mandate ISP participation in providing discounted broadband access as part of consumer protection regulations.

Why is this important

Broadband access has become essential for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. Many low-income Californians lack affordable internet options, creating a digital divide that perpetuates economic inequality. This bill attempts to address that gap by requiring ISPs to provide reduced-cost service options.

Potential points of contention

  • ISP compliance costs: Broadband providers may argue that mandatory affordable plans reduce profitability and could discourage network investment, or that affordability standards are unrealistic given infrastructure costs
  • Definition of "affordable": The bill's specific pricing thresholds and eligibility income limits may be contentious—too restrictive and they help few people; too generous and they increase ISP burden
  • Implementation enforcement: Unclear mechanisms for monitoring compliance and penalizing non-compliant providers, potentially weakening the bill's effectiveness

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

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