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House Bill 2667 |
House Author: Smithee et al. |
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Effective: Vetoed |
Senate Sponsor: Perry et al. |
House Bill 2667 amends the Utilities Code to subject each provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that has access to the customer base to the uniform charge imposed on certain telecommunications providers to fund the Texas universal service fund (TUSF). With respect to the uniform charge generally, the bill prohibits the Public Utility Commission of Texas from assessing the charge in a manner that is not technology‑neutral or that grants an unreasonable preference based on technology. The bill defines "high cost rural area" as that term relates to the TUSF purpose of assisting in the provision of basic local telecommunications service at reasonable rates in such areas.
Governor's Reason for Veto: "Coming into the 87th Legislative Session, everyone knew the Legislature needed to consider significant reforms on broadband and the Texas Universal Service Fund. Transformational broadband reform was achieved through multiple bills that have been signed into law, which significantly expand broadband access in Texas, especially in rural areas. Yet the only meaningful change made to the Texas Universal Service Fund was, in House Bill 2667, to expand the number of people paying fees. It would have imposed a new fee on millions of Texans."