BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2119
88R9785 DIO-D	By: Schwertner
	Business & Commerce
	3/28/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 2119 requires the Broadband Development Office (BDO) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to jointly create a map that shows areas in the state that are classified as eligible for state broadband services, areas that are served by eligible service providers that receive support from the state Universal Service Fund (USF), and areas that are both classified as eligible for state broadband services and are served by eligible service providers receiving support from the state USF. The map is to be updated annually and published on websites of the PUC and the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas.

The bill also requires the BDO and the PUC to submit a joint report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, and legislature that shows areas that are both classified as eligible for state broadband services and are being served by eligible service providers receiving support from the state USF by December 1st of each year. The BDO and PUC are also required to provide recommendations for withdrawing USF support from those areas who are both eligible for state broadband services and are also receiving USF support.

As proposed, S.B. 2119 amends current law relating to the identification of areas supported by the broadband development program and a plan of the universal service fund.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 490I, Government Code, by adding Section 490I.01051, as follows:

Sec. 490I.01051. MAP OF AREAS RECEIVING SUPPORT FOR BROADBAND AND CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; REPORT. (a) Requires the broadband development office (office) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to jointly create, update annually, and publish on the Internet websites of the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas and the PUC a map that shows areas in this state that are:

(1) classified as eligible under Section 490I.0105 (Broadband Development Map);

(2) served by an eligible provider under Section 56.023 (Commission Powers and Duties), Utilities Code, that receives support for that purpose under a plan of the state universal service fund established under Section 56.021 (Universal Service Fund Established), Utilities Code; and

(3) described by both Subdivisions (1) and (2).

(b) Requires the office and the PUC to submit a joint report, not later than December 1 of each year, to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature that shows the areas described by Subsection (a)(3) and recommendations for withdrawing in those aeras support from a plan of the state universal service fund established under Section 56.021, Utilities Code, through a reasonable transition period.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.