The Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act amends several sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to introduce new regulations concerning telecommunications services. It defines various types of telecommunications carriers, including "carrier of last resort," "deregulated carrier," and "transitioning carrier," and outlines the process for deregulating exchanges. Local exchange carriers can initiate deregulation proceedings, and criteria are established to classify exchanges as competitive. The bill also delineates the responsibilities of deregulated and transitioning carriers, including exemptions from certain obligations, and grants the Public Service Commission authority to enforce these regulations while maintaining confidentiality of proprietary information. It emphasizes that deregulation will not impact existing consumer protection laws or obligations related to the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund.

Additionally, the bill modifies the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission regarding telecommunications carriers and the issuance of service provider permits. It ensures that consent from governing entities for telecommunications companies to use public highways cannot be unreasonably withheld and prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances that hinder service provision. The bill establishes conditions for levying taxes or fees related to telecommunications services, ensuring they are competitively neutral and directly related to incurred costs. It also mandates that agreements between governing entities and telecommunications companies regarding public highway use be publicly accessible while protecting proprietary information. Overall, the bill aims to streamline telecommunications regulations and enhance service provision while safeguarding consumer interests.

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