This bill amends Section 62-612 of the Idaho Code to revise the restrictions on the withdrawal or discontinuance of telecommunication services by telephone corporations. The amendments clarify that a telephone corporation providing basic local exchange or message telecommunication service cannot discontinue such service unless it complies with new provisions established in the newly added Section 62-612A or if alternative telephone corporations are providing equivalent services in the local exchange area at the time of discontinuance. Additionally, the bill requires that any corporation proposing to withdraw service must notify the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and publish a notice in a local newspaper.

The new Section 62-612A establishes that if the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows a telephone corporation to discontinue service under federal law, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will recognize and adopt the FCC's findings regarding the discontinuance. This bill is declared to be an emergency measure and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 62-612