SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6676

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Smith, Zimmerman, West and McCaslin)

Allowing consumers to elect not to receive information delivery telephone services.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1988; February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6676 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  February 2, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 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 October 1, 1988, any telecommunications company offering information services in a local exchange also must provide customers within the exchange the option of a "blocking service."  Customers choosing the blocking option would not be able to complete calls to information providers with their home phone.

The telecommunications company must inform customers of the blocking service by bill inserts or by publication in a local telephone directory.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission shall adopt rules requiring a personal identification number before a subscriber may access an information delivery service of an obscene or pornographic nature.

All costs of these rules shall be borne by the information delivery service providers.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Smith, sponsor (for); Jack Doyle, WITA (for); Steve McLellan, UTC (for)