Bill
HB 2370
85(R) - 2017
House State Affairs
House State Affairs
Telecommunications
Utilities
Companion Bill
SB 1003
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Positive
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Positive
Author(s)
Chris Paddie
Bill Caption
Relating to the participation of deregulated telecommunications companies in the lifeline program.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 2370 would amend the Utilities Code to abolish the Texas Utilities Commission’s rule over lifeline services. Most notably, a certified provider of local exchange telephone service may now discontinue basic network services to a consumer who receives lifeline service because of nonpayment of charges for other services billed by the provider.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill enhances our limited government and personal responsibility principles by eliminating regulation on lifeline services. It is not a role of government to prohibit a service provider from discontinuing services because of failure to pay bills. We support HB 2370