H-1731              _______________________________________________

                                    HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4409

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Nelson, Todd and Wineberry

Read first time 3/1/89 and referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

WHEREAS, The subject of telecommunications is important to the state and the legislature; and

          WHEREAS, Legislative review is required under RCW 80.36.901 to see whether relaxation of regulatory requirements in the area of telecommunications is in the public interest;

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the state of Washington, the Senate concurring, That a joint legislative committee on telecommunications is hereby created and, as required by RCW 80.36.901, shall be responsible for conducting an intensive review of chapter 450, Laws of 1985 during the 1989-91 biennium to determine whether the purposes of chapter 450, Laws of 1985 have been achieved and if further relaxation of regulatory requirements is in the public interest; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall also explore all relevant matters regarding changes in the telecommunications industry including, but not limited to:

          (1) Recommendations for legislation responsive to:  (a) Changes in the federal regulatory scheme; (b) changes from new technologies in telecommunications; and (c) emerging competition in the state;

          (2) The economic and social effects on the individual and business ratepayers caused by the changes in subsection (1) of this section;

          (3) The impact on the telecommunications industry of the changes in subsection (1) of this section;

          (4) The ability of consumers to make choices regarding telecommunications services;

          (5) The adequacy of the state regulatory scheme;

          (6) The changes that will occur in the telecommunications labor force;

          (7) The appropriate pricing structure for local exchange service;

          (8) The cost to the government of changes in the telecommunication industry;

          (9) Issues related to privacy;

          (10) Extended area service; and

          (11) Such other areas as are necessary; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall consist of four members of the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate and four members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives for two-year terms.  Not more than two members from each house shall be appointed from one major political party.  A list of appointees shall be submitted before the close of each regular legislative session during an odd-numbered year or any successive special session convened by the governor or legislature before the close of the regular session or successive special session or sessions for confirmation of senate members by the senate and house members by the house of representatives.  Vacancies occurring shall be filled by the appointing authority, and if the legislature is not in session shall be deemed installed as a member upon appointment; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the following shall occur:

          (1) The members of the committee shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson.  The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be from different houses.

          (2) The members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their expenses incurred while attending sessions of the committee or while engaged in other committee business as authorized by the committee, as provided in RCW 44.04.120.

          (3) The committee may receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from private sources as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of the committee and expend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments.

          (4) The committee in the exercise of its responsibilities shall be deemed to be performing operations in assistance to the Washington utilities and transportation commission and the committee's expenses shall be payable out of the public service revolving fund.

          (5) The committee may hire additional staff, create advisory committees, contract with state agencies and private consultants, and incur administrative and educational expenses as it deems necessary to carry out its purposes within its budget, subject to available funds; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee report its findings and recommendations to the legislature on January 1, 1991.