SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6510

BYSenators Benitz, Bluechel and Williams; by request of Utilities and Transportation Commission

Revising provisions for registration of telecommunication companies.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Patrick, Stratton, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7445)

                February 2, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

New telecommunications companies are required to register with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) before beginning operations.  A company may then petition to have its services classified as competitive--a classification that involves less WUTC regulation.  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 streamline the process.

SUMMARY:

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

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   Raymond Day, WUTC