HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2944

Title:  An act relating to alternate operator services.

Brief Description:  Modifying disclosure of alternate operator services.

Sponsors:  Representative Lambert.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TECHNOLOGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ENERGY

Meeting:  January 28, 2000.

Staff:  Scott MacColl (786-7106)

Background:

Telecommunications companies operating as, or contracting with, an alternate operator services company are required to disclose to customers the rate, charge or fee of services provided, and also the provision of the requirement.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is responsible to set minimum standards and ensure these requirements are met by rule.

An alternative operator services company is defined as a person providing a connection to intrastate or interstate long-distance services from places such as:

$hotels,

$motels,

$hospitals, and

$customer owned pay telephones.

Summary of Bill:

The minimum standards set by the Utilities and Transportation commission regarding alternate operator services companies require updating to reflect a new requirement that the disclosure of rates, charges or fees of services provided be available without requiring additional dialing by the consumer beyond what is necessary to make a call.

Appropriation:  No.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 2000.

Effective Date of Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.