LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 77th Regular Session April 25, 2001 TO: Honorable Steven Wolens, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB2388 by Chisum (Relating to the provision of telecommunications services to permanent residential or business premises that are not included in a certificated service area.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** The bill would provide that customers not included in a carrier's certificate of convenience and necessity geographic area may petition the Public Utility Commission for the appointment of a carrier to provide basic telephone service. The designated provider will be reimbursed for all costs associated with service through an aid-to-construction fee assessed the customer, monthly service charges to the customer, and funds from the Universal Service Fund (USF). The Public Utility Commission feels this new expense to the USF can be absorbed within the current assessment and available fund surplus. Local Government Impact No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: 475 Office of Public Utility Counsel, 473 Public Utility Commission of Texas, 324 Texas Department of Human Services LBB Staff: JK, RB, KM