SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6326

BYSenators Zimmerman, Bauer, Anderson, Cantu, Craswell, Sellar, Barr, Smith and Johnson

Repealing the lifeline telephone assistance program.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1988

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature created the lifeline telephone assistance program (SB 5097, Chapter 229).  The program is available to participants in the following aid programs:  aid to families with dependent children, chore service, food stamps, supplemental security income, refugee assistance, and community options program entry system.  The program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services.

Benefits of the program include a 50 percent discount on connection charges for new service, a waiver of deposits, and a lifeline service rate of $10 per month.  The program is funded by a surcharge tax, presently set at the rate of 12 cents per month for each access line in the state.  The surcharge tax is deposited in a lifeline fund.  The Department as well as telephone companies may be reimbursed from the fund for lifeline administrative costs.

SUMMARY:

The lifeline telephone assistance program is repealed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested