The Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to introduce new regulations concerning telecommunications services. It defines key terms such as "carrier of last resort," "deregulated carrier," and "transitioning carrier," and outlines the process for local exchange carriers to initiate deregulation proceedings. The bill establishes criteria for classifying exchanges as competitive and delineates the responsibilities and limitations of deregulated and transitioning carriers, including exemptions from certain obligations. Additionally, it grants the Public Service Commission authority to enforce these regulations, maintain confidentiality of proprietary information, and imposes penalties for interference with broadband infrastructure. The bill also repeals section 75-148 and declares an emergency for timely implementation.

Further amendments focus on the use of public highways by telecommunications companies, requiring that consent from governing entities cannot be unreasonably withheld and prohibiting municipalities from enacting ordinances that hinder service provision. It sets conditions for municipalities to levy taxes or fees on telecommunications businesses, including a capped occupation tax and a competitively neutral public highway construction permit fee. The bill allows for public voting on occupation tax increases and mandates that agreements between governing entities and telecommunications companies be publicly accessible while protecting proprietary information. The changes are set to take effect three months after the legislative session adjourns, with some provisions effective immediately due to the emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 86-111.01, 86-124
Final Reading: 75-109.01, 75-311, 75-342, 76-2325.01, 86-111.01, 86-124, 86-704, 86-1505
Slip Law: 75-109.01, 75-311, 75-342, 76-2325.01, 86-111.01, 86-124, 86-704, 86-1505