HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2526

As Amended by the Senate

BYRepresentatives Jacobsen, Miller, Nelson and May; by request of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Revising provisions for registration of telecommunication companies.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Fred Adair (786-7113)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 6, 1990

BACKGROUND:

New telecommunications companies are required to register with the Utilities and Transportation Commission before beginning operations.  Currently a company must be registered before it can petition to have its services classified as competitive.  This requires two separate dockets to be maintained for what are usually routine proceedings.  Allowing a company to apply for registration and petition for competitive classification at the same time would simplify paper flow and streamline the process.

SUMMARY:

A telecommunications company may petition for competitive classification at the same time it applies for registration.  The commission may rule on both requests in the same proceeding.

!bfEFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENTS:  The Senate amendment adds new provisions relating to alternate operator services.  A definition of alternate operator services is added and these services are required to file as telecommunications companies with the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  A company that does not register is subject to penalties.  The commission may adopt minimum standards for these services.  Acts in violation of the commission rules are a violation of the consumer protection act.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Raymond Day, Utilities and Transportation Commission.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This is an efficiency measure to eliminate duplication.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 97; Excused 1

Excused:    Representative Miller