California 2007 State Bill Fact Sheets
AB 826 (Levine)
Telecommunications: Customer Service
Bill Background
In 1999, the CWA raised concerns about high-pressure sales practices to CPUC. As a result, the CPUC adopted Tariff 12 governing consumer disclosure and telephone contracting practices.
Among the practices that were at issue, were complaints about “bundling,” a practice whereby consumers are induced to purchase multiple services, including some that they requested and others that were not requested.
Tariff Rule 12 was withdrawn by at&t, in Oct 2006, as the result of a CPUC order eliminating non-uniform tariff provisions and practices.
Bill Summary
This bill reinstates the key provisions of Tariff Rule 12 and makes them applicable, on a uniform basis, to all telephone corporations. It eliminates the CPUC objection that at&t was subject to special non-uniform rules.
It further addresses consumer and worker objections that at&t has been inadvertently permitted to engage in the consumer abuses that gave rise to the original complaint and CPUC order.
Calendar
Hearing scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2007, at the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee, Room 437, at 3 PM.
Sponsors
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Supporters
California State Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
AB 1157 (Ruskin)
Public Utilities Commission
________________________________________________________________
Bill Background
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is one of the master agencies of state government – responsible for regulating the state’s basic energy and telecommunications infrastructure, water service, transportation of freight by rail and passengers by motor carrier. It governs entities whose revenues are nearly as large as the state budget – over $100 billion annually with capital budgets exceeding $15 billion annually.
Under the California Constitution, the Legislature is directly responsible for the CPUC and the utilities. The Legislature unwisely relinquished too much accountability and control during the years immediately preceding the Energy Crisis, with results that were very damaging to the state’s people. The state is still recovering from that debacle.
Recent episodes involving executive interference in important agencies – the mass firing of the members of the Reclamation Board, and the stacking of the Chiropractors’ Board with industry-friendly business associates of the Governor – suggest the need for and value of independence and accountability to the public and to the Legislature.
Bill Summary
This bill restores provisions regarding the governance of the CPUC to their pre-Energy Crisis condition – election of the CPUC President by the members of the Commission rather than appointment by the Governor; and direction of the CPUC staff by the professional managers (Executive Director and General Counsel). The effect is to reduce the direct intervention of the Governor in the internal workings of the CPUC. This will assist the Legislature and the public in achieving greater independence and accountability from this crucial public agency. It will reduce the politicization of internal staffing and procedural decisions, while promoting collegiality and cooperation among commissioners.
The ability of the public, particularly users of utility services, to participate effectively in CPUC proceedings, depends on the ability of stakeholders to present information and arguments in a timely manner. The complexity and cost of CPUC proceedings is a significant obstacle to participation and to equitable results. In recognition of this fact, California law has provided for funding of public participation at the CPUC for over twenty years. This bill clarifies the eligibility for participant funding of important stakeholder groups in the face of hostile, equivocal or uncertain CPUC decisions interpreting the prior law.
Calendar
Hearing scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2007, at the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee, Room 437, at 3 PM.
Sponsors
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Supporters
California State Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
AB 1647 (De La Torre)
Video Service: Customer Service Standards
________________________________________________________________
Bill Summary
By law, cable companies must comply with specified customer service standards. This bill would direct the CPUC to open a rulemaking to adopt customer service standards for any video providers that ensure “capable and responsible customer service.”
The customer service standards to be adopted must “…ensure that customers can reach a live operator with sufficient knowledge to provide assistance and ensure that service problems are addressed promptly.” If not, the customer should be relieved of paying for service until the problem is resolved.
The requirement of a knowledgeable live operator is intended to address problems that have occurred with service delivery by remotely located telephone personnel. A live operator will understand particular customer concerns that are often regionally-specific, rather than an operator that is remotely located and clearly without such special knowledge.
Calendar
Hearing scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2007, in the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee, Room 437, at 3 PM.
Sponsors
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Supporters
California State Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
SB 1013 (Padilla)
Universal Service Broadband Affordability
________________________________________________________________
Bill Background & Summary
The Digital Divide has two dimensions - ubiquitous infrastructure and affordability of service. This bill deals with the affordability issue.
For almost 25 years, California has maintained a Universal Service Program that provides a substantial discount for the cost of basic telephone service. This bill proposes that the basic service, covered by the Universal Service Program, includes broadband.
California should provide all of its residents affordable broadband services as we move into the new digital age of the 21st century. Low-income residents should have that service discounted so that they can participate in the Digital Age regardless of their income level. No resident or child should be left off-line.
Calendar
Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, Room 3191, at 9:30 AM.
Sponsors
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Supporters
California State Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
For more information contact
Nancy Biagini: 916/921-4500
Alexandra Rooker: 916/447-7500
PRINT/SAVE 
