Category Archives: Legislative Updates
SB 46 strengthens computer account privacy for consumers (signed into law)
CFC supports SB 46, which will strengthen computer account privacy protections for consumers by requiring the state and businesses operating in California to create additional safeguards. Read More ›
Identity theft prevention AB 1149 requires notification of data breaches (signed into law)
Governor Brown signed CFC-supported AB 1149, a bill to help stop identity theft by requiring all local government agencies to notify their workers and constituents if their electronic data has been hacked, as the state and the private sector already are required to do. Read More ›
AB 261 limits fees charged by residential care facilities for the elderly (signed into law)
The bill will forbid the imposition of post-death fees once the resident’s personal property has been removed from the facility, and will end the bizarre practice of requiring residents give advanced notice of their death. Read More ›
AB 658 closes a loophole on medical app privacy (signed into law)
One of the biggest concerns with smartphones in medical care is the potential breach of confidentiality. CFC supports AB 658, which closes the medical-app privacy loophole. Read More ›
Victory! AT&T and Verizon’s attack on low-income consumers stopped
CFC Executive Director Richard Holober stated, “An outpouring of opposition from consumers, seniors, organized labor, and the faith community overcame the corporate lobbying clout of AT&T and Verizon. Low-income Californians will continue to have basic phone service, including 911 service, at an affordable price.” Read More ›
Ineffective, toxic flame-retardant chemicals on the way out
California regulators and lawmakers moving forward on adopting flammability standards that would help eliminate ineffective and toxic flame retardant chemicals linked to neurological problems, infertility, cancer, and other adverse health impacts. Read More ›
Apple’s disregard for consumer privacy – a consistent policy
Opposing privacy protections is not new for Apple, as they have continued to breach data protection and consumer rights over the years. As a result, their cult-like following has begun to erode. Read More ›
AT&T’s attack on low-income Lifeline program with AB 1407 (2-year bill)
AB 1407 grossly favors telecom industry giants and allows them to place a stranglehold on low-income Californians, at the growing expense of ratepayers. Simultaneously, it guts the current LifeLine program, rendering it less available, less reliable, and less affordable for those it serves. Read More ›
Progress on toxic flame retardant protections
For nearly four decades, an outdated California furniture flammability standard has led to the widespread use of toxic flame retardant chemicals, without the promised benefits of reducing fire deaths. Read More ›
AB 25 extends social media privacy rights to public-sector employees (2-year bill)
CFC supports AB 25, which would extend social media privacy provisions to public sector applicants and employees. Read More ›
SB 556 holds government agencies responsible when subcontracted workers appear to be their employees (2-year bill)
CFC, California Professional Firefighters, and California Labor Federation are co-sponsoring the bill, which will hold government agencies responsible when subcontracted workers appear to be their employees. Read More ›
AB 844: Trojan Horse that would have destroyed credit card privacy protections
The bill was hijacked by retail industry lobbyists and amendments turned AB 844 into a vehicle to eliminate privacy protections for credit card transactions at brick-and-mortar businesses. The author held the bill until 2014, and has reaffirmed his commitment to work with us to restore it as a pro-privacy bill.
AB 995 attacks vital consumer utility protection program (2-yr bill)
AB 995 is a direct attack on consumer organizations and ratepayers. This bill only benefits the giant utilities by freezing out consumer, environmental, safety, health, and the disadvantaged communities that deserve effective representation before the CPUC. Read More ›