83R6866 DDT-D
By: Marquez H.B. No. 3080
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the feasibility of creating a program to
provide discounts on Internet access to individuals who are
eligible for lifeline telephone services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. STUDY OF INTERNET ACCESS DISCOUNTS. The Public
Utility Commission of Texas shall conduct a study to determine the
feasibility of creating a program to provide discounts on Internet
access to individuals who are eligible for lifeline telephone
services.
SECTION 2. SCOPE OF STUDY. The study must examine at least:
(1) the anticipated benefits of such a program;
(2) the amount of funding needed to implement the
program and potential sources for that funding;
(3) the optimal rates or discounts to be offered under
the program;
(4) ways to implement the program; and
(5) legislation to create the program.
SECTION 3. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) The Public
Utility Commission of Texas shall issue a written report to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of
representatives that includes the commission's evaluation of the
potential program and any recommendations of the commission
regarding legislation that may allow individuals who are eligible
for lifeline telephone services to have better or easier access to
the Internet.
(b) The report must be issued not later than November 30,
2014.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires December 1, 2014.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2013.