Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
GOP Legislators Draft Legislation to Avoid Future Text Taxes
By admin
Published 6 years ago on
December 18, 2018

Share

Although a federal ruling recently put the kibosh on a California plan to tax text messages, Republicans in the Assembly want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.


“Government policies have already made California unaffordable for far too many, and becoming the first state in the nation to tax texting would only make things worse.”Assemblyman Kevin Kiley
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) announced his intention to prohibit the California Public Utilities Commission from taxing or applying fees to text messages. He will introduce such legislation in the new year.
Seven Republican assemblymembers plan to sign on as co-authors, including Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno).
“Text messaging is integral to modern communication, especially for young people, and should remain tax free,” Kiley said in a statement. “Government policies have already made California unaffordable for far too many, and becoming the first state in the nation to tax texting would only make things worse.”

CPUC Proposes, Withdraws Tax

Carla Peterman
The CPUC, the state agency which regulates cell phone services among other duties, planned to vote on whether to impose such a tax at its Jan. 10 meeting. When the news broke, it received negative reaction from politicians, pundits, and residents.
On Dec. 12, the Federal Communications Commission issued a ruling that text messages could not be subject to taxation, because texting is an information service, not a telecommunication service. CPUC does have authority over the latter, but not the former.
Commissioner Carla Peterman brought forth the resolution. After the FCC ruling, she withdrew her proposal. However, she is wrapping up her six-year term on the commission. Incoming governor Gavin Newsom is expected to announce her replacement when he takes office next month.
“You can bet I’ll keep a watchful eye on them for future shenanigans,” Patterson tweeted following the FCC announcement.
Peterman was not available for comment.
“While I am glad that the CPUC has withdrawn its proposal — for now — it is important that the Legislature act to prevent the agency from imposing any text tax in the future,” Kiley said.

Advocacy Group Supported Surcharge

The community advocacy group Greenlining Institute supported CPUC’s authority to impose a surcharge on text messaging but is not outright opposed to Kiley’s bill.
“I support the assemblymember’s desire to protect consumers. Unfortunately, there has been so much misinformation on this policy. This law could do more harm than good. We are more than willing to work with the assemblymember,” Greenlining telecommunications policy director Paul Goodman said.
Goodman disagreed with the characterization from the FCC that the CPUC lacked the authority to impose what he called a surcharge.
“It’s a line pushed by industry. It’s inaccurate,” Goodman said.
As Greenlining saw it, the charge on texting would help low-income families with telecommunication needs.
“It is good public policy. This money is collected to provide services to low-income families — to help build infrastructure to make sure everyone has access to quality services,” Goodman said.

DON'T MISS

‘It’s Living Hell’: Nurses Say CA Addiction Recovery Program Ended Their Careers

DON'T MISS

Santa Who? Bizarre Christmas Traditions Stealing the Holiday Spotlight

DON'T MISS

New Decisions Boost California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate, but Major Hurdles Remain

DON'T MISS

Only $20K More to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno

DON'T MISS

Jeffrey Sachs Warns of Looming US War With Iran

DON'T MISS

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

DON'T MISS

The Surprising Sexual Politics of Nicole Kidman’s Kinky ‘Babygirl’

DON'T MISS

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

DON'T MISS

FDA Approves Weight-Loss Drug to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DON'T MISS

In a Calendar Rarity, Hanukkah Starts This Year on Christmas Day

UP NEXT

Only $20K More to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno

UP NEXT

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

UP NEXT

This French Bulldog Is So Fetch: Meet Toaster Strudel

UP NEXT

New California Voter ID Ban Puts Conservative Cities at Odds With State

UP NEXT

University of California Campuses Resolve Discrimination Complaints Stemming From Gaza Protests

UP NEXT

Clovis Residents Can Draw the City’s Next Election Map

UP NEXT

Fresno County Driver Escapes Injury After Falling Asleep, Overturning Vehicle

UP NEXT

Corcoran Prison Guard, Inmate Accused of Orchestrating Assault on Other Inmate

UP NEXT

California Declared an Emergency Over Bird Flu. How Serious Is the Situation?

UP NEXT

Visalia Police Arrest 8, Seize Guns and Drugs

Only $20K More to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno

3 hours ago

Jeffrey Sachs Warns of Looming US War With Iran

19 hours ago

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

19 hours ago

The Surprising Sexual Politics of Nicole Kidman’s Kinky ‘Babygirl’

20 hours ago

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

20 hours ago

FDA Approves Weight-Loss Drug to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

21 hours ago

In a Calendar Rarity, Hanukkah Starts This Year on Christmas Day

21 hours ago

A Look at the $100 Billion in Disaster Relief in the Government Spending Bill

21 hours ago

It’s Eggnog Season. The Boozy Beverage Dates Back to Medieval England but Remains a Holiday Hit

21 hours ago

9-Year-Old Among 5 Killed in Christmas Market Attack in Germany

22 hours ago

‘It’s Living Hell’: Nurses Say CA Addiction Recovery Program Ended Their Careers

Bobbie Sage thought nursing would be her salvation. She was trapped in an abusive relationship with four kids and looking for a steady incom...

2 hours ago

2 hours ago

‘It’s Living Hell’: Nurses Say CA Addiction Recovery Program Ended Their Careers

2 hours ago

Santa Who? Bizarre Christmas Traditions Stealing the Holiday Spotlight

3 hours ago

New Decisions Boost California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate, but Major Hurdles Remain

3 hours ago

Only $20K More to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno

19 hours ago

Jeffrey Sachs Warns of Looming US War With Iran

19 hours ago

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

20 hours ago

The Surprising Sexual Politics of Nicole Kidman’s Kinky ‘Babygirl’

20 hours ago

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend