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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to billing for telephone service during service |
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interruptions. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 64, Utilities Code, is amended by adding |
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Subchapter F, as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER F. PROTECTION AGAINST UNFAIR CHARGES |
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Sec. 64.301 BILLING DURING SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS |
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(a) A telecommunications service provider shall not bill a |
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customer for services during periods when service to the customer |
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has been interrupted as a result of any hurricane, ice or snow |
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storm, flood, or other weather-related event or natural disaster. |
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(b) The commission has the authority to enforce this |
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section, including ordering refunds. |
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SECTION 2. Section 65.102(b), Utilities Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the |
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commission has only the authority provided by this section over a |
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deregulated company that holds a certificate of operating authority |
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issued under this subchapter. Subject to Subsection (c), the |
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following provisions apply to a deregulated company and may be |
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enforced by the commission using the remedies provided by |
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Subchapter B, Chapter 15, and Subsection (d): |
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(1) Subchapter A, Chapter 15; |
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(2) Subchapters A, C, and D, Chapter 17, as applicable |
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to carriers holding a certificate of operating authority; |
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(3) Sections 52.007, 52.060, and 52.156; |
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(4) Sections 54.001, 54.002, 54.003, 54.004, 54.005, |
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54.006, 54.008(a), 54.101, 54.102, 54.103, 54.105, 54.151, 54.156, |
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54.158, 54.159, 54.255, 54.256, 54.257, 54.259, 54.260, and 54.261; |
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(5) Sections 55.010, 55.123, 55.133, 55.134, 55.136, |
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and 55.137; |
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(6) Chapter 56, except Subchapters F and G; |
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(7) Chapter 60; |
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(8) Chapter 62; |
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(9) Section 64.002, and Subchapters E and F, Chapter |
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64; |
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(10) Sections 65.001, 65.002, 65.003, and 65.004, this |
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subchapter, and Subchapter E of this chapter; and |
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(11) Chapter 66. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |