reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
TX Util § 56.030 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter B. Universal Service Fund|Section 56.030. Affidavits of Compliance

Sec. 56.030.  AFFIDAVITS OF COMPLIANCE.  On or before September 1 of each year, a telecommunications provider that receives disbursements from the universal service fund shall file with the commission an affidavit certifying that the telecommunications provider is in compliance with the requirements for receiving money from the universal service fund and requirements regarding the use of money from each universal service fund program for which the telecommunications provider receives disbursements.|Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (S.B. 5), Sec. 15, eff. September 7, 2005.|
TX Util § 56.031 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter B. Universal Service Fund|Section 56.031. Adjustments: Texas High Cost Universal Service Plan

Sec. 56.031.  ADJUSTMENTS:  TEXAS HIGH COST UNIVERSAL SERVICE PLAN.  The commission may revise the monthly per line support amounts to be made available from the Texas High Cost Universal Service Plan after notice and an opportunity for hearing.  In determining appropriate monthly per line support amounts, the commission shall consider the adequacy of basic rates to support universal service.|Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (S.B. 5), Sec. 15, eff. September 7, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 535 (H.B. 2603), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 751 (S.B. 583), Sec. 6, eff. June 14, 2013.|For expiration of Subsections (a) and (c)-(m), see Subsection (n).
TX Util § 56.033 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter B. Universal Service Fund|Section 56.033. Support Available to Deregulated Markets

Sec. 56.033.  SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO DEREGULATED MARKETS.  (a)  An incumbent local exchange company may not receive support from the universal service fund for a deregulated market that has a population of at least 30,000.(b)  An incumbent local exchange company may receive support from the universal service fund for a deregulated market that has a population of less than 30,000 only if the company demonstrates to the commission that the company needs the support to provide basic local telecommunications service at reasonable rates in the affected market.  A company may use evidence from outside the affected market to make the demonstration.(c)  An incumbent local exchange company may make the demonstration described by Subsection (b) in relation to a market before submitting a petition to deregulate the market.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 98 (S.B. 980), Sec. 11, eff. January 2, 2012.Redesignated from Utilities Code, Section 56.032 by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 22.001(54), eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Util § 56.101 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.101. Purpose

Sec. 56.101.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of this subchapter is to provide for the uniform and coordinated provision by one telecommunications carrier of a statewide telecommunications relay access service for persons with an impairment of hearing or speech.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.102 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.102. Telecommunications Relay Access Service

Sec. 56.102.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE.  (a)  The commission shall adopt and enforce rules establishing a statewide telecommunications relay access service for the use of a person with an impairment of hearing or speech.(b)  The commission rules shall provide that the service must:(1)  use specialized communications equipment, such as a telecommunications device for the deaf, and operator translations;  and(2)  meet the criteria provided by Sections 56.103, 56.104, and 56.105.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.103 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.103. Telecommunications Relay Access Service Requirements

Sec. 56.103.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  The telecommunications relay access service shall provide a person with an impairment of hearing or speech with access to the telecommunications network in this state equivalent to the access provided other customers.(b)  The service consists of:(1)  switching and transmission of the call;(2)  live or automated verbal and print translations of communications between a person with an impairment of hearing or speech who uses a telecommunications device for the deaf or a similar automated device and a person who does not have such equipment;  and(3)  other service enhancements proposed by the carrier and approved by the commission.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.104 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.104. Telecommunications Relay Access Service Charges

Sec. 56.104.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE CHARGES.  (a)  For a call made using the telecommunications relay access service, the person calling or called:(1)  may not be charged for a call that originates and terminates in the same local calling area;  and(2)  shall pay one-half of the total charges established by contract with the commission for intrastate interexchange calls.(b)  Charges related to providing the service that, under Subsection (a), are not charged to a person calling or called shall be funded from the universal service fund, as specified by the service provider's contract with the commission.(c)  A local exchange company may not impose an interexchange carrier access charge on a call using the service that originates and terminates in the same local calling area.(d)  A local exchange company shall provide billing and collection services for the service at just and reasonable rates.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.105 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.105. Trial Service Costs and Design Information

Sec. 56.105.  TRIAL SERVICE COSTS AND DESIGN INFORMATION.  If the commission orders a local exchange company to provide for a trial telecommunications relay access service for persons with an impairment of hearing or speech, all pertinent costs and design information from the trial must be made available to the public.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.106 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.106. Telecommunications Relay Access Service Assessments

Sec. 56.106.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE ASSESSMENTS.  (a)  The commission shall set appropriate assessments for all telecommunications utilities to fund the telecommunications relay access service.(b)  In setting an assessment, the commission shall consider:(1)  the aggregate calling pattern of service users;  and(2)  any other factor the commission finds appropriate and in the public interest.(c)  The commission shall:(1)  review the assessments annually;  and(2)  adjust the assessments as appropriate.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.107 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.107. Universal Service Fund Surcharge

Sec. 56.107.  UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND SURCHARGE.  (a)  A telecommunications utility may recover the utility's universal service fund assessment for the telecommunications relay access service through a surcharge added to the utility customers' bills.(b)  The commission shall specify how each telecommunications utility is to determine the amount of the surcharge.(c)  If a telecommunications utility imposes the surcharge, the bill shall list the surcharge as the "universal service fund surcharge."|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.108 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.108. Selection of Telecommunications Relay Access Service Carrier

Sec. 56.108.  SELECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE CARRIER.  (a)  The commission shall select one telecommunications carrier to provide the statewide telecommunications relay access service.(b)  The commission shall make a written award of the contract to the telecommunications carrier whose proposal is the most advantageous to this state, considering:(1)  price;(2)  the interests of the community of persons with an impairment of hearing or speech in having access to a high quality and technologically advanced telecommunications system;  and(3)  any other factor listed in the commission's request for proposals.(c)  The commission shall consider each proposal in a manner that does not disclose the contents of the proposal to a telecommunications carrier making a competing proposal.(d)  The commission's evaluation of a telecommunications carrier's proposal shall include the:(1)  charges for the service;(2)  service enhancements proposed by the carrier;(3)  technological sophistication of the network proposed by the carrier;  and(4)  date proposed for beginning the service.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Util § 56.1085 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.1085. Special Features for Relay Access Service

Sec. 56.1085.  SPECIAL FEATURES FOR RELAY ACCESS SERVICE.  (a)  The commission may contract for a special feature for the state's telecommunications relay access service if the commission determines:(1)  the feature will benefit the communication of persons with an impairment of hearing or speech;(2)  installation of the feature will be of benefit to the state;  and(3)  the feature will make the relay access service available to a greater number of users.(b)  If the carrier selected to provide the telecommunications relay access service under Section 56.108 is unable to provide the special feature at the best value to the state, the commission may make a written award of a contract for a carrier to provide the special feature to the telecommunications carrier whose proposal is most advantageous to the state, considering:(1)  the factors provided by Section 56.108(b);  and(2)  the past performance, demonstrated capability, and experience of the carrier.(c)  The commission shall consider each proposal in a manner that does not disclose the contents of the proposal to a telecommunications carrier making a competing proposal.(d)  The commission's evaluation of a telecommunications carrier's proposal shall include the considerations provided by Section 56.108(d).|Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.|
TX Util § 56.109 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.109. Compensation of Carrier

Sec. 56.109.  COMPENSATION OF CARRIER.  (a)  The telecommunications carrier selected to provide the telecommunications relay access service under Section 56.108 or the carrier selected to provide a special feature for the telecommunications relay access service under Section 56.1085 shall be compensated at rates and on terms provided by the carrier's contract with the commission.(b)  The compensation may include:(1)  a return on the investment required to provide the service;  and(2)  compensation for unbillable or uncollectible calls placed through the service.(c)  Compensation for unbillable or uncollectible calls is subject to a reasonable limitation determined by the commission.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.|
TX Util § 56.110 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.110. Advisory Committee

Sec. 56.110.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  (a)  An advisory committee to assist the commission in administering this subchapter is composed of the following persons appointed by the commission:(1)  two persons with disabilities that impair the ability to effectively access the telephone network other than disabilities described by Subdivisions (2)-(7);(2)  one deaf person recommended by the Texas Deaf Caucus;(3)  one deaf person recommended by the Texas Association of the Deaf;(4)  one person with a hearing impairment recommended by Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing;(5)  one person with a hearing impairment recommended by the American Association of Retired Persons;(6)  one deaf and blind person recommended by the Texas Deaf/Blind Association;(7)  one person with a speech impairment and one person with a speech and hearing impairment recommended by the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities;(8)  two representatives of telecommunications utilities, one representing a nonlocal exchange utility and one representing a local exchange company, chosen from a list of candidates provided by the Texas Telephone Association;(9)  two persons, at least one of whom is deaf, with experience in providing relay services recommended by the department; and(10)  two public members recommended by organizations representing consumers of telecommunications services.(b)  Members of the advisory committee serve two-year terms.  A member whose term has expired shall continue to serve until a qualified replacement is appointed.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 512), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Util § 56.111 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.111. Advisory Committee Duties

Sec. 56.111.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE DUTIES.  The advisory committee shall:(1)  monitor the establishment, administration, and promotion of the statewide telecommunications relay access service;(2)  advise the commission in pursuing a service that meets the needs of persons with an impairment of hearing or speech in communicating with other telecommunications services users; and(3)  advise the department, at that department's request, regarding any issue related to the specialized telecommunications assistance program established under Subchapter E, including:(A)  devices or services suitable to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in communicating with other users of telecommunications services; and(B)  oversight and administration of the program.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 512), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Util § 56.112 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.112. Advisory Committee Support and Costs

Sec. 56.112.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUPPORT AND COSTS.  (a)  The commission shall provide to the advisory committee:(1)  clerical and staff support;  and(2)  a secretary to record committee meetings.(b)  The costs associated with the advisory committee shall be reimbursed from the universal service fund.|Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.|
TX Util § 56.113 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter D. Statewide Telecommunications Relay Access Service|Section 56.113. Advisory Committee Compensation and Expenses

Sec. 56.113.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.  A member of the advisory committee serves without compensation but is entitled to reimbursement at rates established for state employees for travel and per diem incurred in the performance of the member's official duties.|Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1158, Sec. 93, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.|
TX Util § 56.151 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter E. Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program|Section 56.151. Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program

Sec. 56.151.  SPECIALIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.  (a)  The executive commissioner, after consulting with the department, by rule shall establish a specialized telecommunications assistance program to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities that impair the individuals' ability to effectively access the telephone network to assist the individuals with the purchase of basic specialized equipment or services to provide the individuals with telephone network access that is functionally equivalent to that enjoyed by individuals without disabilities.  The executive commissioner may adopt rules that identify devices and services eligible for vouchers under the program.(b)  The department may contract, as necessary, to implement and administer the specialized telecommunications assistance program.|Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 512), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Util § 56.152 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter E. Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program|Section 56.152. Eligibility

Sec. 56.152.  ELIGIBILITY.  The executive commissioner, after consulting with the department, by rule shall prescribe eligibility standards for individuals, including deaf individuals and individuals who have an impairment of hearing or speech, to receive an assistance voucher under the program.  To be eligible, an individual must be a resident of this state with a disability that impairs the individual's ability to effectively access the telephone network.|Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 424, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 512), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Util § 56.154 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Utilities Code|Title 2 - Public Utility Regulatory Act|Subtitle C - Telecommunications Utilities|Chapter 56 - Telecommunications Assistance and Universal Service Fund|Subchapter E. Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program|Section 56.154. Department Duties

Sec. 56.154.  DEPARTMENT DUTIES.  (a)  Not later than the 45th day after the date the department receives a voucher a telecommunications device distributor presents for payment or a voucher a telecommunications service provider presents for payment, the department shall pay to the distributor or service provider the lesser of the value of a voucher properly exchanged for a specialized telecommunications device or service or the full price of the device or service for which a voucher recipient exchanges the voucher.  The payments must be made from the universal service fund.(b)  The department may investigate whether the presentation of a voucher for payment represents a valid transaction for a telecommunications device or service under the program. (c)  Notwithstanding Section 56.153(a), the department may:(1)  delay payment of a voucher to a distributor of devices or a service provider if there is a dispute regarding the amount or propriety of the payment or whether the device or service is appropriate or adequate to meet the needs of the person to whom the department issued the voucher until the dispute is resolved;(2)  provide that payment of the voucher is conditioned on the return of the payment if the device is returned to the distributor or if the service is not used by the person to whom the voucher was issued; and(3)  provide an alternative dispute resolution process for resolving a dispute regarding a subject described by Subdivision (1) or (2).(d)  The executive commissioner, after consulting with the department, may adopt rules to implement this section.|Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.08(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 512), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2013.|