5811-S AAS 3/15/99

SSB 5811 - S AMD - 190

By Senator Brown

                                                   ADOPTED 3/15/99

    On page 1, after line 10, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  Universal telephone service, which is the wide availability of basic telephone service at reasonably affordable rates, has long been the policy of the state of Washington and is essential to the economic well-being of the state.  In order to comply with the 1996 federal telecommunications act, the state must modify its universal service program so as to meet the twin goals, under the federal act, of competition and reasonable rates for basic phone service.  In making the transition to a more competitive telecommunications market, the legislature intends to minimize the shifting of costs among classes of customers, so that no class of customers bears a disproportionately adverse change in its share of universal service costs."

    Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

SSB 5811 - S AMD - 192

By Senator Brown

                                                   ADOPTED 3/15/99

    On page 3, line 26, after "fund." strike "Every" and insert "Not earlier than July 1, 2000, every"

    On page 4, line 19, after "(1)" strike "The" and insert "Not earlier than July 1, 2000, the" 

SSB 5811 - S AMD - 193

By Senator Eide

                                                   ADOPTED 3/15/99

    On page 3, after line 36, insert the following:

    "(4) Any carrier that discloses on its customers' bills the effect  of its contribution to the fund shall also disclose the effect, whether direct or indirect, on customers' bills of reductions in rates by eligible telecommunications carriers to offset the additional universal service support."

    Renumber the remaining subsection consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

                            --- END ---

EFFECT:  Adds intent language explaining why universal service reform is needed, and expressing the legislature's intent that no customer class bear a disproportionate burden, in making the transition to a more competitive market.

EFFECT:  Implementation of the universal service fund is delayed until July 1, 2000.

EFFECT:  Companies choosing to disclose universal service contributions on a customer bill must also disclose the offsetting rate reductions.