Honorable Phil King, Chair, House Committee on Regulated Industries
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1595 by Christian (Relating to access to certain telecommunications service in certain communities.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill amends the Utility Code relating to access to certain telecommunications service in certain communities.The Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) stated the bill would address the general aims of recommendation GG 22 from the Comptroller's e-Texas report, Limited Government, Unlimited Opportunity.The CPA reported recommendation GG 22 suggested several ways to encourage the development and utilization of broadband services in rural areas, including allowing local governments and economic development corporations to invest in community Internet networks if the Public Utility Commission of Texas found that area supply and demand is adequate to warrant commercial investment in broadband infrastructure or services. The Comptroller of Public Accounts stated the bill would allow public entities to resell to members of their community broadband products or services that were not being used to their fullest capacity.The Act takes effect September 1, 2003.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 313 Department of Information Resources, 473 Public Utility Commission of Texas, 475 Office of Public Utility Counsel