SRC-PNG S.B. 1251 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1251 76R8611 DWS-FBy: West Economic Development 4/9/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, under Texas law, a provider of basic local telephone service may disconnect that service for nonpayment of long distance charges. This bill would prohibit a provider of basic local telephone service from disconnecting that service for nonpayment of long distance charges. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1251 prohibits a provider of basic local telephone service from disconnecting that service for nonpayment of long distance charges. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 55A, Utilities Code, by adding Section 55.012, as follows: Sec. 55.012. LIMITATIONS ON DISCONTINUANCE OF BASIC LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE. Prohibits a provider of basic local telecommunications service from discontinuing that service because of nonpayment by a residential customer of charges for long distance service. Provides that the Public Utility Commission has all jurisdiction necessary to enforce this section, notwithstanding Sections 52.102 and 52.152. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.