128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 256		LR 1837(02)
	An Act To Ensure Continued Availability of High-speed Broadband Internet at Maine's Schools and Libraries
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Change to rate structure of fees assessed by PUC - Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund Minor cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill would cap and change the rate structure for prepaid wireless telecommunications services and voice network service providers that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) uses to assess a surcharge or fee that is credited to the Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund (MTEAF).  It also updates the definitions of the categories of such services to reflect changes in telecommunications industry terminology and billing methods.  These changes may raise the fee for some services while others may be lowered.  As under current law, the PUC will continue to have some flexibility to adjust assessments up to the caps to assure adequate funding in the MTEAF.  Any additional costs to the PUC to implement these changes are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
	Additional costs to the Maine State Library and the Department of Education to prepare and submit the required report can be absorbed within each agency's existing budgeted resources.