The Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to modernize the regulatory framework for telecommunications services. It introduces key definitions such as "carrier of last resort," "deregulated carrier," and "transitioning carrier," and establishes that only electing local exchange carriers can initiate deregulation proceedings based on criteria assessing the competitiveness of exchanges. The bill grants the Public Service Commission the authority to require information disclosure from telecommunications carriers while ensuring the confidentiality of proprietary information. Deregulated carriers will be exempt from certain obligations, including the duties of a carrier of last resort and compliance with quality standards for retail services.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission regarding transportation services, particularly Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation, and emphasizes the need for applicants to demonstrate their capability to meet public demand. It also addresses the use of public highways by telecommunications companies, ensuring that consent from governing entities cannot be unreasonably withheld and that municipalities cannot adopt ordinances that hinder service provision. The legislation mandates uniform public highway construction permit fees tied to actual service costs and requires that agreements between governing entities and telecommunications companies be publicly accessible, while protecting certain proprietary information. The act is set to take effect three months after the legislative session adjourns, with some sections effective immediately due to an 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