CA SB431

Requires the Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the Office of Emergency Services and the telecommunications industry, to develop and implement backup power rules by July 1, 2021 for telecommunications service provided in Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts.

Mandates backup power to maintain minimum service (911 access, emergency information, voice and text messaging) for at least 72 hours where feasible for mobile telephony service and for specified critical facilities including emergency dispatch centers, hospitals, fire stations, police stations, water/sewer systems, and utility operators.

Requires mobile telephony service providers to notify customers when access to 911 and emergency notifications may be impacted by power deenergization events, and requires Voice over Internet Protocol providers to provide annual written notification on customer devices.

Allows the commission to waive or delay implementation if a provider demonstrates the requirement is infeasible, poses safety risks, violates federal or state law, or if good faith efforts to obtain necessary access and permits have failed.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required under Article XIII B of the California Constitution because costs result from creating a new crime or changing penalties related to violations of the commission's rules.