CO HB1223

Adds an exception to the statutory reduction in High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) contributions that telecommunications companies must pay to the Public Utilities Commission.

If total HCSM contributions in a given year are reduced from the previous year by an amount equal to or greater than the scheduled percentage reduction, the statutory reduction percentage does not need to be applied.

The HCSM provides financial assistance to telecommunications companies offering basic telephone or broadband service in areas lacking effective competition through surcharges assessed on all telecommunications companies in Colorado.

A portion of HCSM funds is transferred to the broadband fund, which is administered by the broadband deployment board to award grants for broadband deployment projects in unserved areas.

Applies to contributions calculated on or after the effective date of the act.