82R5546 JXC-D
 
  By: Geren H.B. No. 2874
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the regulation of Voice over Internet Protocol service.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 51.002, Utilities Code, is amended by
  adding Subdivisions (3-a) and (13) to read as follows:
               (3-a)  "Internet Protocol enabled service" means a
  service, capability, functionality, or application that uses
  Internet Protocol or a successor protocol to allow an end user to
  send or receive a data, video, or voice communication in Internet
  Protocol or a successor protocol.
               (13)  "Voice over Internet Protocol service" means a
  service that:
                     (A)  uses Internet Protocol or a successor
  protocol to enable a real-time, two-way voice communication that
  originates from or terminates to the user's location in Internet
  Protocol or a successor protocol;
                     (B)  requires the use of a broadband connection
  from the user's location; and
                     (C)  permits a user generally to receive a call
  that originates on the public switched telephone network and to
  terminate a call to the public switched telephone network.
         SECTION 2.  Section 52.002, Utilities Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:
         (c)  Notwithstanding any other law, a department, agency, or
  political subdivision of this state may not by rule, order, or other
  means directly or indirectly regulate rates charged for, service or
  contract terms for, conditions for, or requirements for entry into
  the market for Voice over Internet Protocol services or other
  Internet Protocol enabled services. This subsection does not:
               (1)  affect payment of rights-of-way fees applicable to
  Voice over Internet Protocol services under Chapter 283, Local
  Government Code;
               (2)  affect any person's obligation to provide video
  service, as defined by Section 66.002, under any applicable state
  or federal law; or
               (3)  require or prohibit assessment of enhanced 9-1-1,
  relay access service, or universal service fund fees on Voice over
  Internet Protocol service.
         (d)  Payment of switched access rates or other intercarrier
  compensation rates, as applicable, with respect to Voice over
  Internet Protocol services or other Internet Protocol enabled
  services, shall be as determined through commercial agreements or
  by the Federal Communications Commission.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.