| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to the use of and disbursements from the universal service |
|
|
fund. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Section 56.026, Utilities Code, is amended to |
|
|
read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 56.026. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND DISBURSEMENTS. (a) |
|
|
The commission shall adopt criteria for determining appropriate |
|
|
amounts for universal service fund disbursements to be made under |
|
|
the plans described by Sections 56.021(1)(A) and (B). [A revenue
|
|
|
requirement showing is not required for a disbursement from the
|
|
|
universal service fund under this subchapter.] |
|
|
(b) The commission shall make each disbursement from the |
|
|
universal service fund promptly and efficiently so that a |
|
|
telecommunications provider does not experience an unnecessary |
|
|
cash-flow change [as a result of a change in governmental policy]. |
|
|
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 56, Utilities Code, is |
|
|
amended by adding Section 56.027 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 56.027. INTERNET AND BROADBAND SERVICES TASK FORCE AND |
|
|
STUDY. (a) The commission shall investigate the feasibility and |
|
|
advisability of including Internet, high-speed Internet, or |
|
|
broadband services under the plans described by Sections |
|
|
56.021(1)(A) and (B) or similar plans. |
|
|
(b) To assist the commission in conducting the |
|
|
investigation under Subsection (a), the commission shall establish |
|
|
a task force to develop, deliberate, and make proposals for |
|
|
consideration by the commission regarding the need for, and means |
|
|
to support through the universal service fund, Internet services |
|
|
for low-income customers. The task force must include |
|
|
representatives of low-income customers, rural areas, urban areas, |
|
|
public libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations. |
|
|
(c) Not later than December 31, 2014, the commission shall |
|
|
report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the |
|
|
house of representatives the results of the commission's |
|
|
investigation conducted under Subsection (a). The report must |
|
|
include the proposals of the task force and the commission's |
|
|
evaluation of the merit of the proposals. |
|
|
(d) This section expires September 1, 2015. |
|
|
SECTION 3. Section 56.025, Utilities Code, is repealed. |
|
|
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013. |