SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6745

BYSenators Williams and Benitz

Requiring disclosure of services provided by alternate operator services companies.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Majority Report:     Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)

                March 6, 1988

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

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 cost of alternate operator services are disclosed appropriately to consumers.  Failure to disclose constitutes a violation of chapter 19.86 RCW, the consumer protection act.  Damages are presumed equal to the cost of the service provided plus two hundred dollars.  Additional damages must be proved.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Steve McLellan, UTC (for)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

It is clarified that required disclosure to customers provides information about the rate, charge or fee of alternate operator services.