Bill > HB1771

This bill updates Washington state's universal communications services program by extending its termination date from June 30, 2024, to June 30, 2027, and expanding its policy objectives and eligible uses of funds. The bill broadens the program's goals to include upgrading telecommunications infrastructure, investing in public safety communications systems like 911 services, ensuring statewide broadband access, and promoting diverse telecommunications services. Eligible communications providers can receive distributions from the universal communications services account if they meet specific criteria, such as serving fewer than 20,000 access lines, having a broadband service plan, providing battery backup for emergency services, participating in low-income service programs, and offering access to emergency services. The bill limits annual program expenditures to $5 million and prohibits using funds to overbuild existing infrastructure that already meets state broadband speed goals. The legislation aims to support continued provision of basic telecommunications services and enhance broadband services, particularly in underserved areas, while maintaining regulatory oversight by the state commission.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1771&Year=2025&Initiative=false