SB302 Summary

• Amends Section 37-2A-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to authorize state agencies administering Lifeline qualifying public assistance programs to provide data file access to USAC, the National Verifier, and the Lifeline eligibility database for consumer eligibility, enrollment, and administrative functions.

• Requires Lifeline subscribers to pay all applicable fees including Alabama E-911 surcharge, telephone relay system surcharge, and federal, state, and local taxes.

• Establishes that eligible telecommunications carriers must offer Lifeline customers options for toll call blocking or limitations at no administrative charge, and prohibits service deposits when toll blocking is elected.

• Specifies that carriers cannot discontinue basic local exchange service due to unpaid toll charges if customers agree to toll blocking, and allows carriers to block long distance access for unpaid long distance service.

• Directs state agencies to cooperate with the Federal Communications Commission and Universal Service Administrative Company by providing access to data files at no cost to identify and enroll eligible consumers in Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up programs.