Texas House Bill HB3639

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing reporting requirements for telecommunications service providers regarding service interruptions.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3639 is expected to enhance the accountability of telecommunications companies during emergencies. By requiring these companies to report on service interruptions and submit plans for restoration in cases where service is interrupted for longer than 72 hours, the bill aims to improve the responsiveness and transparency of service providers. This could lead to quicker recovery times and better communication to residents during crises, which is especially important in an era where telecommunications play a critical role in emergency management.

Summary

House Bill 3639 seeks to establish specific reporting requirements for telecommunications service providers regarding service interruptions. It amends sections of the Utilities Code to mandate that service providers report significant service interruptions resulting from weather-related events such as hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters. The bill emphasizes the importance of proactive reporting to ensure that both the public and regulatory authorities are informed about outages that may affect communication services.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding how the reporting requirements could affect telecommunications providers, particularly deregulated companies. Some may argue that the increased regulatory oversight could lead to higher operational costs or challenges in maintaining service standards during natural disasters. Stakeholders from telecommunications might express reservations about the feasibility of responding to such requirements during critical moments, where resources may be stretched thin. Conversely, proponents of the bill are likely to advocate for greater customer protection and service reliability during adverse events.