Bill Summary

• Repeals most of Minnesota Statutes chapter 237 and adopts comprehensive new telecommunications regulations under new chapter 237A establishing streamlined regulatory framework for telecommunications services in Minnesota

• Establishes Public Utilities Commission jurisdiction over wholesale telecommunications services, basic telecommunications services, universal service programs, and numbering administration while limiting authority over retail services for providers electing to be subject to new chapter

• Creates telecommunications access Minnesota (TAM) program providing communication devices to eligible communication-impaired persons and maintains statewide telecommunications relay service funded through monthly surcharges

• Establishes telephone assistance plan (TAP) providing bill credits to eligible low-income households, funded through surcharges not exceeding 10 cents per access line or per Minnesota telephone number for interconnected VoIP providers

• Transfers duties formerly held by the Commissioner of Commerce regarding TAM and TAP programs to the Public Utilities Commission, with authority to transfer necessary staff and resources