Pub. Util. Code, § 878.6

(a) (1) Before March 1, 2022, the commission shall, as part of an existing proceeding, adopt updated rules for the lifeline program establishing a modified recertification process that minimizes barriers to lifeline subscriber recertification and reduces the burden and cost of recertification on the lifeline program.

(2) The updated rules adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall do all of the following:

(A) Enable a lifeline subscriber to enroll in the lifeline program directly online using an electronic signature.

(B) Enable a lifeline subscriber to complete the annual recertification of lifeline eligibility process directly online using an electronic signature, or by telephone using a telephonic signature. The lifeline program’s third-party administrator shall verify the lifeline subscriber’s identity using the personally identifiable information that the administrator has on file. The commission shall not require a lifeline subscriber to use a commission-issued personal identification number (PIN) for identity verification.

(C) Provide an option for lifeline subscribers to receive communications regarding their lifeline subscription in an electronic format, including, but not limited to, email and short message service.

(b) Before January 1, 2023, the commission shall, as part of an existing proceeding and in consultation with lifeline service providers, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Universal Service Administrative Company, adopt updated rules for the lifeline program with the goal of achieving recertification rates at least equivalent to those rates achieved by the Universal Services Administrative Company as the administrator for the federal lifeline program.

(c) The commission shall annually publicly report on its internet website the participation and recertification rates of eligible lifeline subscribers.