Bill > SF2224

This bill addresses the process for telephone companies and telecommunications carriers to discontinue service in areas where alternative communication providers are available. The legislation allows these companies to petition the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to stop providing service in an area if alternative Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) providers exist that can offer comparable service. The proposed customer transition plan must include detailed information about the affected area, alternative providers, technical assistance for customers, consumer dispute forms, public education meetings, and connection fee support for eligible households. The PUC will review the petition, ensuring that customers have at least one alternative provider, the company provides sufficient transition resources, and public meetings are held. The bill requires the telecommunications carrier to continue serving customers until the transition is complete and all customer disputes are resolved. The PUC can also reinstate service obligations if it determines customers lack adequate alternative providers. The legislation includes provisions for dispute resolution, with disputes needing to be submitted at least 90 days before service discontinuation and resolved 15 days prior to that date. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and allows the PUC to assess fees to cover the administrative costs of managing these service discontinuation processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2224&ssn=0&y=2025