Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2650

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to regulate any entity that holds itself out as a telephone service provider.

Impact

The implementation of HB2650 is expected to streamline the regulatory framework for telecommunications service providers by centralizing authority under the PUC. This could lead to increased consistency in how telephone service providers are regulated, benefiting both consumers and providers by eliminating overlapping regulations from other state agencies or local authorities. This change is designed to foster an environment that encourages competition and innovation while safeguarding consumer interests through standardized regulatory oversight.

Summary

House Bill 2650 seeks to clarify the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) over entities presenting themselves as telephone service providers. The bill asserts that the PUC will have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the rates, operations, and services offered by telecommunications utilities and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers. This aims to ensure that the services provided are adequate and the rates charged are fair and reasonable, promoting an efficient market for telecommunications in Texas.

Contention

Despite its intention to improve regulatory conditions, the bill may encounter contention from various stakeholders. Opponents may argue that it gives excessive power to the PUC, potentially stifling local regulatory initiatives or innovative business models that operate outside traditional telecommunication structures. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of the PUC’s authority to address emerging technologies and services not previously categorized as telecommunications and the potential implications for service quality and consumer protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2399

Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to regulate Voice over Internet Protocol services.

TX HB5098

Relating to the authority to regulate Voice over Internet Protocol services by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

TX SB2441

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3275

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX SB1371

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX HB1500

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2701

Relating to public utility agencies; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments.

TX SB2070

Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.