HOUSE BILL REPORT

 

 

                                    HB 2526

                           As Amended by the Senate

 

 

BYRepresentatives Jacobsen, Miller, Nelson and May; by request of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

 

 

Revising provisions for registration of telecommunication companies.

 

 

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

 

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers and S. Wilson.

 

      House Staff:Fred Adair (786-7113)

 

 

                       AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 6, 1990

 

BACKGROUND:

 

New telecommunications companies are required to register with the Utilities and Transportation Commission before beginning operations.  Currently a company must be registered before it can petition to have its services classified as competitive.  This requires two separate dockets to be maintained for what are usually routine proceedings.  Allowing a company to apply for registration and petition for competitive classification at the same time would simplify paper flow and streamline the process.

 

SUMMARY:

 

A telecommunications company may petition for competitive classification at the same time it applies for registration.  The commission may rule on both requests in the same proceeding.

 

!bfEFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENTSThe Senate amendment adds new provisions relating to alternate operator services.  A definition of alternate operator services is added and these services are required to file as telecommunications companies with the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  A company that does not register is subject to penalties.  The commission may adopt minimum standards for these services.  Acts in violation of the commission rules are a violation of the consumer protection act.

 

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

 

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Raymond Day, Utilities and Transportation Commission.

 

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

 

House Committee - Testimony For:    This is an efficiency measure to eliminate duplication.

 

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.

 

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

 

      Yeas 97; Excused 1

 

Excused:    Representative Miller