SRC-MWN H.B. 2156 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2156
77R10984 MTB-DBy: Danburg (Van de Putte)
Business & Commerce
5/10/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, automatic enrollment databases are required for
telecommunications discounts and for electric discounts to low-income
customers. Merging these databases would make the administration of both
programs more efficient. H.B. 2156 provides for an integrated eligibility
process for telecommunications and electric discounts for low-income
customers, establishes a universal service fund to finance the integrated
eligibility process, and abolishes the tel-assistance service program.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Public Utility Commission
of Texas in SECTION 1 (Section 17.007, Utility Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 17A, Utilities Code, by adding Section 17.007, as
follows: 

Sec. 17.007. ELIGIBILITY PROCESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE DISCOUNTS. Requires
the Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) to provide for an
integrated eligibility process for customer service discounts, including
discounts under Sections 39.903 and 55.015. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 56.021, Utilities Code, as follows:

Sec. 56.021. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND ESTABLISHMENT. Requires the commission
to adopt and enforce rules requiring local exchange companies to establish
a universal service fund to meet certain conditions.  

SECTION 3. Amends Section 39.903(e), Utilities Code, to require the system
benefit fund to provide funding solely for certain regulatory purposes. 

SECTION 4. (a)  Repealer: Chapter 56C (TEL-ASSISTANCE SERVICE PROGRAM),
Utilities Code. 
 
(b)  Provides that the tel-assistance service program under Chapter 56C,
Utilities Code, is discontinued.  Provides that on September 1, 2001, all
funds, employees, and resources of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
and the Texas Department of Human Services dedicated to the tel-assistance
service program become funds, employees, and resources dedicated to the
lifeline service program under Section 55.015, Utilities Code, and all
persons receiving benefits under the tel-assistance service program shall
be automatically enrolled in the lifeline service program. 
 
SECTION 5. Requires the telecommunications provider, if a person receiving
benefits under the tel-assistance service program immediately before the
effective date of this Act receives a greater benefit under the
tel-assistance service program than the person will receive under the
lifeline service  program, to continue the higher benefit and is authorized
to be reimbursed for the higher benefit from the universal service fund.
Requires the provider to continue to provide that service until the person
discontinues basic local service in the exchange in which the person is
receiving service. 
 
SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2001.