Substitute Senate Bill No. 545 seeks to improve telecommunications quality of service standards and eliminate remote reconnection fees. The bill introduces new definitions, including "incumbent local exchange carrier," which refers to telephone companies that began service in the state prior to the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. It also revises the definitions of competitive and noncompetitive services, as well as private telecommunications services, to clarify the regulatory framework. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is mandated to establish and enforce quality of service standards for all telephone companies and certified telecommunications providers, requiring them to submit semiannual quality reports and exception reports for noncompliance. The bill imposes fines for noncompliance and sets an effective date of October 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill prohibits telecommunications companies from charging reconnection fees for remote service restorations after temporary disconnections and protects vulnerable customers—those over 60, blind, or living with disabilities—by preventing companies from demanding payment of outstanding balances before service restoration. Companies that violate the reconnection fee prohibition may face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation and must reimburse unlawfully charged fees. The bill reinforces accountability among telecommunications providers while ensuring compliance with federal obligations under 47 USC 251.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 16-247p
ET Joint Favorable: 16-247p
File No. 421: 16-247p