83R8481 JJT-F
By: Carona S.B. No. 583
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of and disbursements from the universal service
fund.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 56.026, Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 56.026. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND DISBURSEMENTS. (a)
The commission shall adopt criteria for determining appropriate
amounts for universal service fund disbursements to be made under
the plans described by Sections 56.021(1)(A) and (B). [A revenue
requirement showing is not required for a disbursement from the
universal service fund under this subchapter.]
(b) The commission shall make each disbursement from the
universal service fund promptly and efficiently so that a
telecommunications provider does not experience an unnecessary
cash-flow change [as a result of a change in governmental policy].
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 56, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 56.027 to read as follows:
Sec. 56.027. INTERNET AND BROADBAND SERVICES TASK FORCE AND
STUDY. (a) The commission shall investigate the feasibility and
advisability of including Internet, high-speed Internet, or
broadband services under the plans described by Sections
56.021(1)(A) and (B) or similar plans.
(b) To assist the commission in conducting the
investigation under Subsection (a), the commission shall establish
a task force to develop, deliberate, and make proposals for
consideration by the commission regarding the need for, and means
to support through the universal service fund, Internet services
for low-income customers. The task force must include
representatives of low-income customers, rural areas, urban areas,
public libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
(c) Not later than December 31, 2014, the commission shall
report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the
house of representatives the results of the commission's
investigation conducted under Subsection (a). The report must
include the proposals of the task force and the commission's
evaluation of the merit of the proposals.
(d) This section expires September 1, 2015.
SECTION 3. Section 56.025, Utilities Code, is repealed.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.