Bill prohibiting regulation of Internet-based phones passes CA Senate

A bill that prohibits the regulation of Voice over Internet Protocol by the Public Utilities Commission passed 30-6 in the state Senate today.

Senate Bill 1161, by Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, bans state departments from regulating VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) unless required to by federal law.

Consumer groups have opposed the bill, saying they fear it will cause phone providers to move away from traditional land lines, which could cut off older consumers.

Padilla and Sen. Juan Vargas, D-Chula Vista. countered that the bill was necessary and would ensure that many Internet companies stayed in California.