Bill Text: TX HB2602 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the regulation of certain telecommunications services markets and rates.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-03-27 - No action taken in committee [HB2602 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HB2602-Introduced.html

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By: Pickett H.B. No. 2602

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of certain telecommunications services
markets and rates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 58.021(b) and (d), Utilities Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(b) The notice must include a statement that the company
agrees to:
(1) limit [until September 1, 2005,] any increase in a
rate the company charges for basic network services as prescribed
by Subchapter C; and
(2) fulfill the infrastructure commitment prescribed
by Subchapters F and G.
(d) The commission shall [may] allow an electing company
serving fewer than 500,000 [five million] access lines to withdraw
the company's election under this chapter for a good cause shown[:
[(1)] on application by the company. In addition, an
electing company serving fewer than 500,000 access lines is
entitled to withdraw the company's election under this chapter if
the company receives reduced support under a plan described by
Section 56.021(1) for a reason other than line loss [, and
[(2) only for good cause].
SECTION 2. Section 58.054(c), Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(c) Notwithstanding Subsections (a) and (b), the cap on the
rates for basic network services for a company electing under this
chapter does not apply to an incumbent local exchange company that
has been subject to regulation under Chapter 59 for the four-year
period preceding the date of that company's election to be
regulated under this chapter. For an incumbent local exchange
company that has been subject to regulation under Chapter 59 for the
four-year period preceding the date of that company's election to
be regulated under this chapter, Section 58.060 governs the
adjustment of rates for basic network services [may not expire
before September 1, 2005].
SECTION 3. Section 58.054(c), Utilities Code, as amended by
this Act, applies only to an incumbent local exchange company that
elects to be regulated under Chapter 58, Utilities Code, on or after
September 1, 2013.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.