California Bill to Restrict Wireless Communication Shutdowns Clears First Hurdle

A bill to prevent wireless communication interruption passed its first hurdle as the California State Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee approved SB 380 by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The measure is similar to SB 1160 that Gov Jerry Brown (D-CA) vetoed in 2012. Brown stated in his veto message that the bill should be revised to preserve the ability of law enforcement to interrupt wireless communication in the event that doing so would protect public health and safety. The original bill was introduced after the Bay Area Rapid Transit Agency (BART) shut down mobile services during public protests in August 2011. Since the protests, the BART Board adopted a policy allowing such shutdowns in specific cases.