CHAPTER 259
S.P. 243 - L.D. 812
An Act to Require the Public Utilities Commission to Align Telecommunications Carrier Access Rates with Costs to Foster Economic Development and Competition throughout the State
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §7101-B is enacted to read:
1. Definitions. As used in this section, the term "intrastate access rates" means rates that a telecommunications service provider pays for access to a local exchange carrier's facilities and services in order to provide intrastate interexchange service.
2. Access rates. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission by May 30, 1999 shall establish and every 2 years reestablish intrastate access rates that are less than or equal to interstate access rates established by the Federal Communications Commission.
3. Consumer rates. If the commission finds that effective competition in the intrastate interexchange market does not exist, the commission shall require all persons providing intrastate interexchange service to reduce their intrastate long-distance rates to reflect net reductions in intrastate access rates ordered by the commission pursuant to subsection 2.
Sec. 2. Report. By January 1, 1998, the Public Utilities Commission shall submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy a report detailing its plan and schedule for aligning intrastate access rates with interstate access rates pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 7101-B. The report must also include:
1. A discussion of progress made in aligning intrastate access rates with interstate access rates;
2. Issues raised by this alignment and how these issues will be addressed; and
3. Whether adjustments in other rates may be made in consequence of this alignment and why those adjustments should be made.
The report may be included in the commission's annual report submitted pursuant to Title 35-A, section 120, as long as the report is submitted by January 1, 1998.
Sec. 3. Authority to report legislation. The Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may report out legislation on intrastate access rates to the Second Regular Session of the 118th Legislature.
Effective September 19, 1997, unless otherwise indicated.
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