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.