summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning a Large Electing Provider's transition to IP-based networks and service, provides that a Large Electing Provider shall provide telecommunications service, including telecommunications service over traditional circuit switched networks, to existing business and residential end-use customers until at least December 31, 2031. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2032, a Large Electing Provider shall start the process of returning the salvage value of traditional circuit switched networks to the people of the State. Requires a Large Electing Provider to complete the salvage of the Large Electing Provider's traditional circuit switched networks by January 1, 2038. Provides that the Large Electing Provider shall document and report to the Department of Public Health and the Illinois Commerce Commission, on a quarterly basis, all activities related to the salvage of the Large Electing Provider's traditional circuit switch networks, including, but not limited to, the total realized salvage value, a per-mile salvage value, the geographic location of all salvages, and the value of such salvages. Provides that, if a Large Electing Provider retires a traditional circuit switch network, the Large Electing Provider shall, beginning on December 1, 2032 and annually thereafter, transfer the salvage value of the retired networks to the Lead Service Line Replacement Fund for the sole purpose of providing grants to municipal and private water utilities to replace lead service lines. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that a "Large Electing Provider," which is a telecommunications company that previously reported providing at least 700,000 access lines and is affiliated with a mobile service provider, must continue to offer traditional circuit-switched network services, including voice calls over these older systems, to existing business and residential customers until at least December 31, 2031. Following this date, the provider must begin the process of recovering the "salvage value," meaning the monetary worth of components like copper wiring from these retired networks, and return it to the public by January 1, 2038. Throughout this process, the provider must meticulously document and report quarterly to the Department of Public Health and the Illinois Commerce Commission on all salvage activities, including total value, per-mile value, and geographic locations. Crucially, any salvage value recovered from retired traditional circuit-switched networks must be transferred annually, starting January 1, 2032, to the Lead Service Line Replacement Fund to help municipal and private water utilities replace lead water pipes.
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Mussman (on 02/19/2026)
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