The California Legislature recently passed SB 1161 (dubbed “California’s Worst Telecom Bill Ever”) and the bill is on the Governor’s desk. Utility reform group, TURN, and the New America Foundation are two groups that have opposed this ALEC supported bill from the start. We reported on it in June and shared with you how it will negatively impact the ability for local communities to invest in broadband.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to Governor Brown formally opposing the legislation and asking for a veto. According to the an Access Humboldt press release:
In a letter yesterday (August 28, 2012), the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors requested Governor Brown to veto SB 1161, noting: “SB 1161 weakens open Internet protections and subverts long held State policy ‘To continue our universal service commitment…’ Why abandon our commitment to least served people and places?”
The Board officially expressed their opposition to the bill in May, noting that holes in the legislation ignored public safety, privacy, and consumer protection issues. No amendments were adopted to address those concerns.
You can view a PDF of the veto request here. We encourage you to take an active part in helping stop this legislation by contacting Governor Jerry Brown directly.
You can also read Susan Crawford’s take on it and similar efforts in other states.