FCC

FCC Revokes California’s Lifeline Verification Authority

New state privacy law blocks data collection necessary to prevent fraud and abuse, FCC said.

Jericho Casper

Nov 20, 2025 — 2 min read

Photo of TURN Executive Director Mark Toney whose organization backed AB 1303, by TURN.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday revoked California’s authority to run its own eligibility and verification system for the federal Lifeline program.

In an order issued by Wireline Competition Bureau chief Joseph Calascione, the FCC said California law AB 1303 has made it “effectively impossible” for the program’s administrator to comply with federal Lifeline operations and integrity obligations.

Enacted on Oct. 6, the new state privacy law bars the California Public Utilities Commission and providers from sharing any applicant information with local, state, or federal agencies, including with immigration authorities, without a subpoena or judicial warrant. It also prohibits CPUC from requiring customers’ Social Security numbers.

Post tagged in

FCC Brendan Carr Lifeline California LifeLine Joseph Calascione Mark Toney TURN

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