SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6846

BYSenator Moore

Changing provisions relating to the Washington telephone assistance program.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7445)

AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The "lifeline" telephone assistance program was enacted by the Legislature in 1987.  The program is now referred to as the "telephone assistance program" (TAP).  Benefits of the TAP include a 50 percent discount on connection fees, a waiver of deposit requirements and a discounted flat rate for service.  This rate is set by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and is presently $10 per month.

The TAP is funded by a monthly surcharge of up to 16 cents on all business and residential telephone lines, except those residential lines on the TAP.  The surcharge, set by the UTC, was initially set at 12 cents and has subsequently been changed to 5 cents.

Persons enrolled in the following programs are eligible for TAP benefits:  aid to families with dependent children, chore services, family independent program, food stamps, supplemental security income, refugee assistance, and community options program entry system.

Present statutes require a program participant to subscribe to the lowest flat rate service.  This requires some participants to downgrade their service to a multiple party line.

The term "lifeline" is a registered trademark of a company that links medical agencies with outpatients.

The TAP is set to expire June 30, 1990.

SUMMARY:

The telephone assistance program is extended to June 30, 1994.  Service connection fee discounts under the program can exceed 50 percent if federal matching funds are available.  Eligibility for TAP is extended to those persons receiving general assistance.

References to "lifeline" are changed to the "Washington telephone assistance program."

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   yes

Fiscal Note:    requested January 31, 1990