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NM HB70

NM HB70
Raising Cap On Rural Universal Service Fund


summary

Introduced
01/18/2022
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/17/2022

Introduced Session

2022 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS; AMENDING THE RURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF NEW MEXICO; RAISING THE CAP FOR OBLIGATIONS ON THE STATE RURAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND TO FORTY MILLION DOLLARS ($40,000,000) PER YEAR FOR THE YEARS 2022, 2023 AND 2024; AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION TO SPEND UP TO SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($75,000) FOR AUDITS OR EVALUATIONS OF RESULTS OF CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FROM THE STATE RURAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Rural Telecommunications Act of New Mexico to raise the cap on the state's Rural Universal Service Fund (RUSF) to $40 million per year for 2022, 2023, and 2024, and then to $30 million per year for 2025 and subsequent years. The bill also authorizes the Public Regulation Commission to spend up to $75,000 from the RUSF to conduct audits or evaluations of the fund's expenditures, particularly on support for incumbent local exchange carriers and broadband program funding. The RUSF is used to maintain and support universal service, including basic local exchange service, affordable alternative services, low-income telephone assistance, and broadband internet access in unserved and underserved rural areas of the state.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Action Postponed Indefinitely (on 01/19/2022)

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