HB 24-1234 Summary

• Removes the September 1, 2024 sunset date for Public Utilities Commission functions related to administering the high cost support mechanism for rural telecommunications providers, allowing the program to continue indefinitely.

• Extends rural telecommunications provider support payments beyond September 1, 2024 on a quarterly basis at the same reimbursement levels established by averaging payments from calendar years 2015 and 2016.

• Allocates 100 percent of high cost support mechanism funds to a broadband deployment account for all quarters in 2023 and each subsequent year, up from the phased-in percentages that previously applied.

• Modifies fee computation procedures so telephone corporations and other public utilities pay regulatory fees based on appropriations made by the General Assembly, excluding administrative support from telecommunications programs including the high cost support mechanism, 911 surcharge, 988 surcharge, and telecommunications relay service surcharge.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, subject to referendum petition provisions.