FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6745

                                   C 91 L 88

BYSenators Williams and Benitz

Requiring disclosure of services provided by alternate operator services companies.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

As a result of the Bell System divestiture, a number of companies are providing "alternate operator services" in order to connect callers to long distance service from customer-owned pay phones or phones in hotel rooms and hospitals.  Although some companies may charge several dollars to connect a caller to long distance from these phones, the customer is often unaware of the charge until it appears on the monthly bill from a local phone company.

SUMMARY:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission is to require that the provision and the charge, fee, or rate of alternate operator services are disclosed appropriately to consumers.  Failure to disclose constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.  Damages are presumed equal to the cost of the service provided plus $200.  Additional damages must be proved.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 93   0 (House amended)

      Senate    43     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988