FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2553

                         C 110 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Extending the prohibition on filing for a tariff on mandatory measured telecommunications service.

Sponsors:  Representatives Crouse, Morris, DeBolt, Kessler, Cooper, Benson, Mielke, Dunshee, Hankins, Delvin, Zellinsky, Constantine, Kastama, O'Brien, Conway, Dickerson and Mason.

House Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Background:  Most telephone customers in Washington pay a flat monthly rate for local telephone service.  Many of the local exchange companies offer their customers the option of paying for local calls on a per call basis.  This practice is commonly known as local measured service.  Under this option, the telephone customer pays a lower monthly rate and then pays for the calls actually made, based on the time of day, length of call, and in some cases, the distance of the call.

Telecommunications service providers file tariffs, or in some cases price lists, with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).  In 1984, the Legislature temporarily prohibited the WUTC from approving telecommunications tariffs that include mandatory local measured service.  The prohibition does not explicitly apply to price lists.  The prohibition also does not apply to mobile services, pay telephone services, or to any other service that has traditionally been offered on a measured basis.

The prohibition, which has been extended a few times, most recently in 1993, expires June 1, 1998.

Summary:  The prohibition restricting the WUTC from approving telecommunications tariffs imposing mandatory local measured service is extended for three years until June 1, 2001, and is explicitly made applicable to filings of price lists.

Votes on Final Passage:

House951

Senate470

Effective:June 11, 1998