BILL NUMBER: SB 1066	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Bowen

                        FEBRUARY 26, 1999

   An act to add Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 2860) to Part 2
of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to the
Internet.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1066, as introduced, Bowen.  The Internet.
   Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission is vested with
regulatory authority over the public utilities, including telephone
corporations.  Existing law sets forth legislative findings and
declarations regarding telecommunications policies for California.
   This bill would make legislative findings and declarations
regarding the use of the Internet, as defined.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  no.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 2860) is added to
Part 2 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:

      CHAPTER 9.5.  THE INTERNET

   2860.  (a) For the purpose of this chapter, "the Internet" means
the global information system that is logically linked together by a
globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP), or
its subsequent extensions; and is able to support communications
using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
suite, or its subsequent extensions, or other IP-compatible
protocols; and provides, uses, or makes accessible, either publicly
or privately, high-level services layered on the communications and
related infrastructure described in this subdivision.
   (b) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
   (1) The Internet is a new form of communication that provides
greatly expanded opportunities for interaction, education, commerce,
and networking.
   (2) While the use of the Internet is growing rapidly, growth will
be constrained by limitations on the speed with which the Internet
can transmit information, the availability of appropriate computer
equipment to businesses, individuals, and institutions, knowledge of
the hardware and software necessary to use the Internet, and an
awareness of the benefits of the Internet.
   (3) Given the benefits of the Internet, it is appropriate for the
state to encourage the use of the Internet by the people, businesses,
and institutions of the state.