AR HB1593

Amends Arkansas Code § 23-17-405(c) to modify provisions regarding eligible telecommunications carriers under the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013, bringing state law into compliance with 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(4).

Permits local exchange carriers to relinquish their eligible telecommunications carrier designation in exchanges, wire centers, census blocks, or other areas where multiple carriers are designated, provided at least one eligible carrier continues serving the area.

Allows local exchange carriers that have relinquished their eligible telecommunications carrier designation to either continue providing services or discontinue services in the affected area.

Requires carriers discontinuing basic local exchange service to notify affected customers in writing at least 90 days before discontinuing the service.

Declares an emergency and sets the effective date of the act as July 1, 2017, based on federal law requirements and the need to avoid conflicts between state and federal telecommunications regulation.