Communications: lifeline telephone service program.

Assembly Member Valencia's privacy protection measure for California's Lifeline Telephone Service Program would restrict how participant information can be shared with government agencies and modify requirements around Social Security numbers. The bill prohibits the Public Utilities Commission, program administrators, and service providers from disclosing applicant or subscriber information to local, state, or federal agencies, including immigration authorities, without a court order or judicial warrant.

Under the proposed changes, program administrators may request but cannot require Social Security numbers from applicants or participants. The bill preserves the ability to share information needed to verify program eligibility and permits the use of anonymized aggregate data for analysis and reporting purposes. It also amends existing telecommunications privacy law to clarify that "lawful process" for information disclosure means a court-ordered subpoena or judicial warrant.

The measure establishes civil remedies for privacy violations while maintaining exemptions for essential functions like emergency services, directory assistance, and internal operations. Violations of the new requirements would constitute a crime under the Public Utilities Act, though the bill specifies that local agencies would not require state reimbursement for any associated costs.