79R4992 MTB-D

By:  Dutton                                                       H.B. No. 1178



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to disbursements from the universal service fund to 
telecommunications providers for service to rural areas.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 56.026(a), Utilities Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
	(a)  A revenue requirement showing is [not] required for a 
disbursement from the universal service fund under this subchapter.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 56, Utilities Code, is 
amended by adding Section 56.0211 to read as follows:
	Sec. 56.0211.  UNRECOVERED COSTS. The commission may make 
distributions from the universal service fund for a purpose 
described by Section 56.021(1) only as necessary to compensate 
telecommunications providers for actual costs related to the 
provision of basic local telecommunications service that are 
unrecovered through revenues.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.