HF3247 Summary

• Modifies telecommunications rate case procedures by requiring 60 days' notice to customers, the department, and commission before telephone companies can increase rates for basic services or switched access services, with simplified notice requirements allowing electronic delivery.

• Establishes new tariff filing requirements for telecommunications service providers offering intrastate switched access services and local exchange carriers providing basic services, with 60-day effectiveness periods and 30-day objection windows.

• Prohibits telecommunications service providers from blocking or restricting intrastate call completion to avoid terminating access rates, requires registration of wholesale transport providers, and mandates call failure notifications and reports to the commission.

• Standardizes customer billing practices by requiring itemized bills with plain language explanations, separate identification of taxes and fees, prohibition of surcharges not included in price lists, and free paper bill options.

• Simplifies telecommunications service provider certification by requiring a single application with eight specified information items and establishing a 60-day issuance timeline, with filing fees capped at $2,000.