HB 2165 Summary

• Amends 17 O.S. 2011, Section 139.105 to establish eligibility restrictions for the Oklahoma Lifeline Fund, limiting participation to customers receiving assistance from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, vocational rehabilitation services, or Sales Tax Relief Act benefits.

• Requires eligible telecommunications carriers to provide written documentation to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's Public Utility Division Director confirming compliance with federal and state lifeline guidelines and maintaining reliable eligibility verification records before receiving reimbursements.

• Mandates carriers obtain written customer information including name, last four digits of social security number or tribal identification number, date of birth, and billing address, plus annual certified statements confirming program participation, primary residential service status, and restrictions on multiple lifeline benefits per household.

• Authorizes carriers to transmit customer data to state lifeline accountability databases and requires customers to acknowledge authorization for eligibility verification with government agencies handling assistance programs.

• Empowers the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to promulgate rules and assess fines up to $10,000 per day per violation for marketing practices and noncompliance with lifeline program rules, with penalties determined after notice and opportunity for hearing.

• Declares an emergency effective date upon passage and approval.