BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1618

By: King, Ken

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties suggest that the phase-out of support from the Texas universal service fund for telecommunications providers should be adjusted. H.B. 1618 seeks to make this adjustment.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1618 amends the Utilities Code to specify that an eligible telecommunications provider that is receiving support for services under the Texas high cost universal service plan in an exchange established under the universal service fund continues to receive support until the later of December 31, 2017, or the second anniversary of the date the incumbent local exchange provider or cooperative that is ineligible for support under the plan ceases receiving support in that exchange.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.