Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that extends the ban on the regulation of "Internet protocol enabled" services by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a residential customer to write a complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding their Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service and to acquire information on alternative communication services (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes  the Office of Emergency Services to create requirements relative to the terms of service of a Next Generation 911 emergency communication system including the costs, services, and terms and conditions for contractors providing Next Gen 911 services (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that the Office of Emergency Services holds jurisdiction over the following (Sec. 3): 

• The duties and authority of the Warren-911-Emergency Assistance Act;

• The development and administration of a Next Gen 911 system, including the creation and enforcement of the terms and conditions for delivery contracts of the Next Gen 911 services; and

• The CPUC’s implementation of terms of service requirements adopted by the office for the Next Gen 911 service’s delivery . 

• Specifies that the bill does not affect any existing regulation, governing, or authority over any of the following (Sec. 3): 

• Non-VoIP and non-IP enabled wired or wireless services; 

• Universal service; 

• The offering of basic service; and

• The obligation of a carrier of last resort regarding basic service, regardless of the technology used. 

• Requires the CPUC to forward any customer complaints they receive regarding VoIP and IP-enabled services to the Attorney General (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the CPUC to include the number and type of complaints received, average duration for resolution, and any recommendations regarding complaints in its annual report to the Legislature (Sec. 3). 

Full Bill Text