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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to telecommunications services provided by cable service |
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providers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 55, Utilities Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 55.0155 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 55.0155. LIFELINE SERVICE BY CABLE SERVICE PROVIDER. |
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(a) In this section: |
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(1) "Cable service provider" has the meaning assigned |
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by Section 66.002. |
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(2) "Local exchange telephone service" has the meaning |
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assigned by Section 51.002. |
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(3) "Voice service" has the meaning assigned by |
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Section 283.002, Local Government Code. |
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(b) A cable service provider that offers local exchange |
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telephone service or voice service shall provide lifeline service |
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in accordance with the requirements of 47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart E, |
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to the same extent and in the same manner an eligible |
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telecommunications carrier is required to provide that service |
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regardless of whether the cable service provider is eligible for |
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reimbursement from the universal service fund for that service |
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under Subchapter B, Chapter 56. |
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(c) In addition to the services required under Subsection |
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(b), a cable service provider shall provide each service listed in |
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Section 58.051 to a customer who qualifies for lifeline service. |
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(d) Before January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the |
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commission shall report to the legislature on the effects of this |
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section on the number of persons enrolling in lifeline service. The |
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commission may include the report in the report required under |
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Section 52.006. |
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(e) A cable service provider shall provide to the commission |
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any information necessary for the commission to comply with |
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Subsection (d). |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |