SB797 Summary

• Renames the "Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 1997" to the "Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013" and repeals definitions for "Arkansas IntraLATA Toll Pool" and "2007 revenue base"

• Creates the Arkansas 911 Rural Enhancement Program Fund with $3 million annually to fund statewide Smart911 system ($600,000), SmartPrepare System ($225,000), 911 administrative systems ($175,000), and county 911 public safety answering points ($2 million)

• Modifies the Arkansas High Cost Fund (AHCF) to include interconnected VoIP services and adjusts funding caps from $22 million to $39.8 million annually, with adjusted size group allocations (largest carriers capped at 12.5%, smallest carriers at 73%)

• Changes intrastate carrier common line charges from all-minute basis to originating-minute basis beginning July 1, 2013, and allows electing companies to post prices on websites instead of filing tariffs with the commission

• Declares an emergency to implement 911 emergency service and broadband expansion provisions immediately for public health and safety protection in rural areas