Cellular telephones: communications interceptions.

Senator Niello's proposal to modify California's telecommunications privacy law refines existing restrictions on devices designed for intercepting cellular and cordless telephone communications. The measure updates Section 635 of the Penal Code to explicitly include devices targeting communications between cordless telephones and landline phones alongside current provisions covering cellular communications.

The legislation maintains current penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and one year of imprisonment for first-time violations while establishing enhanced penalties of up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill preserves existing exemptions for communication utilities conducting maintenance and operations, law enforcement agencies, and authorized vendors supplying these entities. Utility subscribers may continue to possess company-provided devices that fall within the scope of the law when furnished according to approved tariffs.

These technical modifications aim to align the statute's language with contemporary telecommunications technology while preserving the established framework of prohibited conduct, penalties, and authorized exceptions. The measure requires no additional appropriations and makes no changes to enforcement mechanisms or implementation requirements.