Washington 2019-2020 Regular Session Status: Introduced Bipartisan · 12 D · 7 R cosponsors

HB 1373 — Modifying provisions of the universal communications services program.

Last action — By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2019-2020 Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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The bill updates various sections of law related to the universal communications services program, including defining eligibility criteria and extending expiration dates.

  • RCW 80.36.610

    the actions expressly authorized by RCW 80.36.600. → the actions expressly authorized by RCW 80.36.600. The commission may establish by rule fees to be paid by persons seeking commission action under the federal act, and by parties to proceedings under that act, to offset in whole or part the commission's expenses that are not otherwise recovered through fees in implementing the act, but new fees or assessments charged telecommunications carriers to either establish a state program or to adopt rules to preserve and advance universal service under section 254(f) of the federal act do not take effect until the legislature has approved a state universal service program.

    This change clarifies the authority of the commission regarding fees associated with telecommunications services.

  • RCW 80.36.630

    2020 → 2030

    This change extends the expiration date of the section from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2030.

  • RCW 80.36.650

    during the time over which incumbent communications providers in the state are adapting to changes in federal universal service fund and intercarrier compensation support

    This change removes the clause about incumbent communications providers adapting to federal changes, streamlining the purpose of the program.

  • RCW 80.36.650

    the customers of the communications provider are at risk of rate instability or service interruptions or cessations absent a distribution to the provider that will allow the provider to maintain rates reasonably close to the benchmark → has adopted a plan to provide, enhance, or maintain broadband services in its service area

    This change updates the eligibility criteria for providers to receive distributions, focusing on broadband service enhancement.

  • RCW 80.36.670

    may not seek distributions from the fund for the purpose of reducing those rates to the benchmark.

    This change clarifies funding limitations for carriers charging above the established benchmark.

  • RCW 80.36.680

    2019 → 2029

    This change extends the termination date of the program from June 30, 2019, to June 30, 2029.

  • RCW 80.36.700

    and 80.36.620

    This change removes the reference to RCW 80.36.620 in the operation rules, as this section is being repealed.

Action History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  2. Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Innovation, Technology & Economic Development at 08:00 AM

  3. First reading, referred to Innovation, Technology & Economic Development.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 28 co-sponsors · 122 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (28)

Not signed on (122)

122 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

technology
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 1373?
HB 1373 is sponsored by Sharon Wylie (Democrat), Smith, Beth Doglio (Democrat), Vick, Maycumber, Blake, Noel Frame (Democrat), Ed Orcutt (Republican), Larry Springer (Democrat), Chandler, Gerry Pollet (Democrat), Drew MacEwen (Republican), DeBolt, Shelley Kloba (Democrat), Dan Griffey (Republican), Tarleton, Tom Dent (Republican), Jake Fey (Democrat), Vandana Slatter (Democrat), Joe Schmick (Republican), Morris, Mary Dye (Republican), Joe Fitzgibbon (Democrat), Sullivan, Appleton, Dave Paul (Democrat), Mike Chapman (Democrat), Javier Valdez (Democrat), and Jim Walsh (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 1373?
This bill died with 2019-2020 Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 1373?
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