SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1796

BYRepresentatives Padden, Winsley, Brough and D. Sommers 

Requiring specific access service for "976" information-access telephone services.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988; February 25, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Owen, Stratton, Williams.

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455); Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Telephone information delivery services provide programs covering a variety of subjects such as stock market information, jokes, trivia contests, alluring messages, road conditions, and time of day.  The calling customer is billed for the call along with regular telephone services.

These services are carried on a dedicated prefix number.  The best known prefix for these services is "976," although other numbers are also in use.  Many times these services, such as dialing Santa, are directed toward children through advertising.  Some of these services provide alluring messages and are referred to as "dial-a-porn."  Concern has been raised over minors being able to access these services which may be considered pornographic in nature.  At least one major provider of local telephone service is allowing customers to block access to information services at no charge to the customer.

SUMMARY:

By December 1, 1988 the Utilities and Transportation Commission shall by rule require telecommunications companies to limit access to 976 and other information delivery service numbers only to those customers specifically so requesting.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Any local exchange telephone company that offers information delivery services must offer to block the services for any residential customer who requests blocking.  The information providers are to pay the cost of the blocking.  Local exchange telephone companies must notify their customers of the free blocking.  The UTC is directed to adopt implementing rules by October 1, 1988.

The UTC also is directed to investigate methods of restricting access to information delivery services that are obscene, indecent, or salacious.  The UTC is to report to the energy and utilities committees on its findings by October 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jack Doyle, Washington Independent Telephone Association; Dick Hempstead, Pacific Northwest Bell; John Jordan, Job Information Co.; Representative Mike Padden (for); Bernice Morehead, Department of Social and Health Services; Steve McLellan, Utilities and Transportation Commission; Arnold Livingston, Senior Lobby; Mike Woodin, AT&T; Jon Erickson, Telephone Utilities; John Blake, United Telephone