BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 2119
88R22310 DIO-D	By: Schwertner
	Business & Commerce
	4/12/2023
	Committee Report (Substituted)

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.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.S.B. 2119 amends current law relating to the identification of locations receiving broadband and certain telecommunications services.

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 LOCATIONS RECEIVING BROADBAND AND CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; REPORT. (a) Requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to create, update annually, and publish on the PUC's Internet website a map that shows locations in this state that are:

(1) receiving reliable broadband service at speeds of not less than 100 megabits per second for a download and not less than 20 megabits per second for an upload;

(2) served by an eligible telecommunications provider under Section 56.023 (Commission Powers and Duties), Utilities Code, that receives support for that purpose under a plan of that 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 Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas to assist the PUC in creating and updating the map described by Subsection (a).

(c) Requires the PUC, not later than December 1 of each year, to submit a report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature that shows the locations described by Subsection (a)(3).

SECTION 2. Requires the PUC to submit the first report required by Section 490I.01051, Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than December 1, 2024.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2023.