HB 272 Summary

• Caps annual monthly rate increases for basic exchange service in counties with populations under 500,000 at $6.50 without Public Utilities Commission approval.

• Requires telecommunications carriers providing fully competitive retail services to post rates, charges, and service terms on their website instead of filing with the PUC.

• Exempts telecommunications service providers offering fully competitive retail services from seeking PUC approval for issuing stocks, bonds, and other evidence of indebtedness, with notification requirement upon execution.

• Exempts telecommunications service providers offering fully competitive retail services from seeking PUC approval for sales, leases, mortgages, or dispositions of property and equipment, except for mergers or consolidations.

• Adds exemption for public utilities providing basic exchange service to every county from foreign ownership restrictions and affiliate transaction requirements under specified conditions.