HB2236 Summary

• Transfers jurisdiction over telecommunications carriers from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and creates a new Commissioner of Telecommunications position within DBEDT.

• Transfers cable television system regulation and the Broadband Assistance Advisory Council from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to DBEDT.

• Establishes a new telecommunications carriers and cable systems special fund in DBEDT to be funded by fees, penalties, and revenues from regulating these industries.

• Creates comprehensive telecommunications regulatory framework under Chapter 201 covering lifeline rates, relay services, universal service, number portability, and carrier obligations for interconnection and network access.

• Effective date is January 1, 2050.