Assemblymember Boerner Broadband Internet Affordability Bill Advances

SACRAMENTO, CA. — Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 353 by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) passed the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee. AB 353 would require internet service providers operating in California to offer affordable home internet to eligible California residents. Despite heavy opposition from the telecommunications, cable, and broadband industry, the vote was 7-2. This legislation is especially timely, following the loss of federally funded broadband subsidies through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP benefited approximately three million California households in 2024, and this bill will help address the gap left by the lack of federal action.

“The time is right! Californians are struggling with the high cost of living. Three million Californians who relied on federal support to afford their broadband bills will be left in the dark because Congress failed to continue the program. People without affordable access to broadband internet are painfully aware. Children can’t turn in their homework, people cannot access telehealth appointments, and people cannot apply for jobs online,” stated Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “I want to thank my colleagues on the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee who supported this bill today and the Speaker for making this a priority bill for his affordability package. Broadband affordability is not an urban versus rural issue, nor does it have to be a partisan issue. We all should agree that broadband is an essential service that must be affordable for all.”

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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.