HB 2534 - DIGEST

     Establishes a universal service program to be funded by explicit per line charges to provide intrastate universal service support for basic telecommunications services in rural and high-cost areas.

     Directs the commission to implement a program for the preservation and advancement of universal telecommunications services that is provided for in this act that the legislature finds is consistent with the requirements of the federal telecommunications act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. Sec. 254).

     Declares that the purposes of the program are to:  (1) Benefit all telecommunications ratepayers in the state by ensuring that there exists a modern telecommunications network to which all citizens and businesses have reasonable access; and

     (2) provide specific, sufficient, and competitively neutral support for all telecommunications lines used to provide basic telecommunications services for customers of telecommunications companies in high-cost locations.

     Repeals RCW 80.36.600.

     Provides that the secretary of state shall submit this act to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next general election to be held in this state, in accordance with chapter 1, Laws of 2000 (Initiative Measure No. 695)