reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.120 - Joint rates, contracts, etc.

RCW 80.36.120
Joint rates, contracts, etc.
The names of the several companies which are parties to any joint rates, tolls, contracts or charges of telecommunications companies for messages, conversations and service to be rendered shall be specified therein, and each of the parties thereto, other than the one filing the same, shall file with the commission such evidence of concurrence therein or acceptance thereof as may be required or approved by the commission; and where such evidence of concurrence or acceptance is filed, it shall not be necessary for the companies filing the same to also file copies of the tariff in which they are named as parties.
[ 1985 c 450 § 26; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.120. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 38; RRS § 10374.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.130 - Published rates to be charged—Exceptions.

RCW 80.36.130
Published rates to be charged—Exceptions.
(1) Except as provided in RCW 80.04.130 and 80.36.150, no telecommunications company shall charge, demand, collect or receive different compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered than the charge applicable to such service as specified in its schedule on file and in effect at that time, nor shall any telecommunications company refund or remit, directly or indirectly, any portion of the rate or charge so specified, nor extend to any person or corporation any form of contract or agreement or any rule or regulation or any privilege or facility except such as are specified in its schedule filed and in effect at the time, and regularly and uniformly extended to all persons and corporations under like circumstances for like or substantially similar service.
(2) No telecommunications company subject to the provisions of this title shall, directly or indirectly, give any free or reduced service or any free pass or frank for the transmission of messages by telecommunications between points within this state, except to its officers, employees, agents, pensioners, surgeons, physicians, attorneys-at-law, and their families, and persons and corporations exclusively engaged in charitable and eleemosynary work, and ministers of religion, Young Men's Christian Associations, Young Women's Christian Associations; to indigent and destitute persons, and to officers and employees of other telecommunications companies, railroad companies, and street railroad companies.
(3) The commission may accept a tariff that gives free or reduced rate services for a temporary period of time in order to promote the use of the services.
[ 1992 c 68 § 2; 1989 c 101 § 11; 1985 c 450 § 27; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.130. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 40; RRS § 10376. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1929 c 96 § 1, part now codified in RCW 81.28.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.140 - Rates and services fixed by commission, when.

RCW 80.36.140
Rates and services fixed by commission, when.
Whenever the commission shall find, after a hearing had upon its own motion or upon complaint, that the rates, charges, tolls or rentals demanded, exacted, charged or collected by any telecommunications company for the transmission of messages by telecommunications, or for the rental or use of any telecommunications line, instrument, wire, appliance, apparatus or device or any telecommunications receiver, transmitter, instrument, wire, cable, apparatus, conduit, machine, appliance or device, or any telecommunications extension or extension system, or that the rules, regulations or practices of any telecommunications company affecting such rates, charges, tolls, rentals or service are unjust, unreasonable, unjustly discriminatory or unduly preferential, or in anywise in violation of law, or that such rates, charges, tolls or rentals are insufficient to yield reasonable compensation for the service rendered, the commission shall determine the just and reasonable rates, charges, tolls or rentals to be thereafter observed and in force, and fix the same by order as provided in this title.
Whenever the commission shall find, after such hearing that the rules, regulations or practices of any telecommunications company are unjust or unreasonable, or that the equipment, facilities or service of any telecommunications company is inadequate, inefficient, improper or insufficient, the commission shall determine the just, reasonable, proper, adequate and efficient rules, regulations, practices, equipment, facilities and service to be thereafter installed, observed and used, and fix the same by order or rule as provided in this title.
[ 1985 c 450 § 28; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.140. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 55; RRS § 10391.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.150 - Contracts filed with commission.

RCW 80.36.150
Contracts filed with commission.
(1) Every telecommunications company shall file with the commission, as and when required by it, a copy of any contract, agreement or arrangement in writing with any other telecommunications company, or with any other corporation, association or person relating in any way to the construction, maintenance or use of a telecommunications line or service by, or rates and charges over and upon, any such telecommunications line. The commission shall adopt rules that provide for the filing by telecommunications companies on the public record of the essential terms and conditions of every contract for service. The commission shall not require that customer proprietary information contained in contracts be disclosed on the public record.
(2) The commission shall not treat contracts as tariffs or price lists. The commission may require noncompetitive service to be tariffed unless the company demonstrates that the use of a contract is in the public interest based upon a customer requirement or a competitive necessity for deviation from tariffed rates, terms and conditions, or that the contract is for a new service with limited demand.
(3) Contracts shall be for a stated time period and shall cover the costs for the service contracted for, as determined by commission rule or order. Contracts shall be enforceable by the contracting parties according to their terms, unless the contract has been rejected by the commission before its stated effective date as improper under the commission's rules and orders, or the requirements of this chapter. If the commission finds a contract to be below cost after it has gone into effect, based on commission rules or orders or the requirements of this chapter in effect at the time of the execution of the contract, it may make the appropriate adjustment to the contracting company's revenue requirement in a subsequent proceeding.
(4) Contracts executed and filed prior to July 23, 1989, are deemed lawful and enforceable by the contracting parties according to the contract terms. If the commission finds that any existing contract provides for rates that are below cost, based on commission rules or orders or the requirements of this chapter in effect at the time of the execution of the contract, it may make the appropriate adjustment to the contracting company's revenue requirement in a subsequent proceeding.
(5) If a contract covers competitive and noncompetitive services, the noncompetitive services shall be unbundled and priced separately from all other services and facilities in the contract. Such noncompetitive services shall be made available to all purchasers under the same or substantially the same circumstances at the same rate, terms, and conditions.
[ 1989 c 101 § 8; 1985 c 450 § 29; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.150. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 39; RRS § 10375.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.160 - Physical connections may be ordered, routing prescribed, and joint rates established.

RCW 80.36.160
Physical connections may be ordered, routing prescribed, and joint rates established.
In order to provide toll telephone service where no such service is available, or to promote the most expeditious handling or most direct routing of toll messages and conversations, or to prevent arbitrary or unreasonable practices which may result in the failure to utilize the toll facilities of all telecommunications companies equitably and effectively, the commission may, on its own motion, or upon complaint, notwithstanding any contract or arrangement between telecommunications companies, investigate, ascertain and, after hearing, by order (1) require the construction and maintenance of suitable connections between telephone lines for the transfer of messages and conversations at a common point or points and, if the companies affected fail to agree on the proportion of the cost thereof to be borne by each such company, prescribe said proportion of cost to be borne by each; and/or (2) prescribe the routing of toll messages and conversations over such connections and the practices and regulations to be followed with respect to such routing; and/or (3) establish reasonable joint rates or charges by or over said lines and connections and just, reasonable and equitable divisions thereof as between the telecommunications companies participating therein.
This section shall not be construed as conferring on the commission jurisdiction, supervision or control of the rates, service or facilities of any mutual, cooperative or farmer line company or association, except for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section.
[ 1985 c 450 § 30; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.160. Prior: 1943 c 68 § 1; 1923 c 118 § 1; 1911 c 117 § 73; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 10409.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.170 - Unreasonable preference prohibited.

RCW 80.36.170
Unreasonable preference prohibited.
No telecommunications company shall make or give any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to any person, corporation or locality, or subject any particular person, corporation or locality to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect whatsoever. The commission shall have primary jurisdiction to determine whether any rate, regulation, or practice of a telecommunications company violates this section. This section shall not apply to contracts offered by a telecommunications company classified as competitive or to contracts for services classified as competitive under RCW 80.36.320 and 80.36.330.
[ 1989 c 101 § 4; 1985 c 450 § 31; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.170. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 42; RRS § 10378.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.180 - Rate discrimination prohibited.

RCW 80.36.180
Rate discrimination prohibited.
No telecommunications company shall, directly or indirectly, or by any special rate, rebate, drawback or other device or method, unduly or unreasonably charge, demand, collect or receive from any person or corporation a greater or less compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered with respect to communication by telecommunications or in connection therewith, except as authorized in this title or Title 81 RCW than it charges, demands, collects or receives from any other person or corporation for doing a like and contemporaneous service with respect to communication by telecommunications under the same or substantially the same circumstances and conditions. The commission shall have primary jurisdiction to determine whether any rate, regulation, or practice of a telecommunications company violates this section. This section shall not apply to contracts offered by a telecommunications company classified as competitive or to contracts for services classified as competitive under RCW 80.36.320 or 80.36.330.
[ 1989 c 101 § 5; 1985 c 450 § 32; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.180. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 41; RRS § 10377.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.183 - Discounted message toll rates prohibited—Availability of statewide, averaged toll rates.

RCW 80.36.183
Discounted message toll rates prohibited—Availability of statewide, averaged toll rates.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no telecommunications company shall offer a discounted message toll service based on volume that prohibits aggregation of volumes across all territory with respect to which that company functions as an interexchange carrier. The commission shall continue to have the authority to require statewide, averaged toll rates to be made available by any telecommunications company subject to its jurisdiction.
[ 1989 c 101 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.186 - Pricing of or access to noncompetitive services—Unreasonable preference or advantage prohibited.

RCW 80.36.186
Pricing of or access to noncompetitive services—Unreasonable preference or advantage prohibited.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no telecommunications company providing noncompetitive services shall, as to the pricing of or access to noncompetitive services, make or grant any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to itself or to any other person providing telecommunications service, nor subject any telecommunications company to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or competitive disadvantage. The commission shall have primary jurisdiction to determine whether any rate, regulation, or practice of a telecommunications company violates this section.
[ 1989 c 101 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.190 - Long and short distance provision.

RCW 80.36.190
Long and short distance provision.
No telecommunications company subject to the provisions of this title shall charge or receive any greater compensation in the aggregate for the transmission of any long distance conversation or message of like kind for a shorter than for a longer distance over the same line, in the same direction, within this state, the shorter being included within the longer distance, or charge any greater compensation for a through service than the aggregate of the intermediate rates subject to the provision of this title, but this shall not be construed as authorizing any such telecommunications company to charge and receive as great a compensation for a shorter as for a longer distance. Upon application of any telecommunications company the commission may, by order, authorize it to charge less for longer than for a shorter distance service for the transmission of conversation or messages in special cases after investigation, but the order must specify and prescribe the extent to which the telecommunications company making such application is relieved from the operation of this section, and only to the extent so specified and prescribed shall any telecommunications company be relieved from the requirements of this section.
[ 1985 c 450 § 33; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.190. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 44; RRS § 10380.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.195 - Telecommunications relay system—Long distance discount rates.

RCW 80.36.195
Telecommunications relay system—Long distance discount rates.
Each telecommunications company providing intrastate interexchange voice transmission service shall offer discounts from otherwise applicable long distance rates for service used in conjunction with the statewide relay service authorized under RCW 43.20A.725. Such long distance discounts shall be determined in relation to the additional time required to translate calls through relay operators. In the case of intrastate long distance services provided pursuant to tariff, the commission shall require the incorporation of such discounts.
[ 1992 c 144 § 5.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings—Severability—1992 c 144: See notes following RCW 43.20A.720.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.200 - Transmission of messages of other lines.

RCW 80.36.200
Transmission of messages of other lines.
Every telecommunications company operating in this state shall receive, transmit and deliver, without discrimination or delay, the messages of any other telecommunications company.
[ 1985 c 450 § 34; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.200. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 45; RRS § 10381.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.210 - Order of sending messages.

RCW 80.36.210
Order of sending messages.
It shall be the duty of any telegraph company, doing business in this state, to transmit all dispatches in the order in which they are received, under the penalty of one hundred dollars, to be recovered with costs of suit, by the person or persons whose dispatch is postponed out of its order: PROVIDED, That communications to and from public officers on official business, may have precedence over all other communications: AND, PROVIDED FURTHER, That intelligence of general and public interest may be transmitted for publication out of its order.
[ 1961 c 14 § 80.36.210. Prior: Code 1881 § 2361; RRS § 11344; prior: 1866 p 77 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.220 - Duty to transmit messages—Penalty for refusal or neglect.

RCW 80.36.220
Duty to transmit messages—Penalty for refusal or neglect.
Telecommunications companies shall receive, exchange and transmit each other's messages without delay or discrimination, and all telecommunications companies shall receive and transmit messages for any person.
In case of the refusal or neglect of any telecommunications company to comply with the provisions of this section, the penalty for the same shall be a fine of not more than five hundred nor less than one hundred dollars for each offense.
[ 1985 c 450 § 35; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.220. Prior: (i) 1890 p 292 § 2; RRS § 11343. (ii) 1890 p 293 § 8; RRS § 11355.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.225 - Pay telephones—Calls to operator without charge or coin insertion to be provided.

RCW 80.36.225
Pay telephones—Calls to operator without charge or coin insertion to be provided.
All telecommunications companies and customer-owned, pay telephone providers doing business in this state and utilizing pay telephones shall provide a system whereby calls may be made to the operator without charge and without requiring the use of credit cards or other payment devices, or insertion of any coins into such pay telephone.
[ 1985 c 450 § 36; 1975 c 21 § 1.]
NOTES:
Emergency calls, yielding line: Chapter 70.85 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.230 - Exchange areas for telecommunications companies.

RCW 80.36.230
Exchange areas for telecommunications companies.
The commission is hereby granted the power to prescribe exchange area boundaries and/or territorial boundaries for telecommunications companies.
[ 1985 c 450 § 37; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.230. Prior: 1941 c 137 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 11358-1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.240 - Exchange areas for telephone companies—Procedure to establish.

RCW 80.36.240
Exchange areas for telephone companies—Procedure to establish.
The commission in conducting hearings, promulgating rules, and otherwise proceeding to make effective the provisions of RCW 80.36.230 and 80.36.240, shall be governed by, and shall have the powers provided in this title, as amended; all provisions as to review of the commission's orders and appeals to the supreme court or the court of appeals contained in said title, as amended, shall be available to all companies and parties affected by the commission's orders issued under authority of RCW 80.36.230 and 80.36.240.
[ 1971 c 81 § 142; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.240. Prior: 1941 c 137 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 11358-2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.250 - Commission may complain of interstate rates.

RCW 80.36.250
Commission may complain of interstate rates.
The commission may investigate all interstate rates and charges, classifications, or rules or practices relating thereto, for or in relation to the transmission of messages or conversations. Where any acts in relation thereto take place within this state which, in the opinion of the commission, are excessive or discriminatory, or are levied or laid in violation of the federal communications act of June 19, 1934, and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, or are in conflict with the rulings, orders, or regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, the commission shall apply by petition to the Federal Communications Commission for relief, and may present to such federal commission all facts coming to its knowledge respecting violations of such act or the rulings, orders, or regulations of the federal commission.
[ 1961 c 14 § 80.36.250. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 58; RRS § 10394.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.260 - Betterments may be ordered.

RCW 80.36.260
Betterments may be ordered.
Whenever the commission shall find, after a hearing had on its own motion or upon complaint, that repairs or improvements to, or changes in, any telecommunications line ought reasonably be made, or that any additions or extensions should reasonably be made thereto in order to promote the security or convenience of the public or employees, or in order to secure adequate service or facilities for telecommunications communications, the commission shall make and serve an order directing that such repairs, improvements, changes, additions or extensions be made in the manner to be specified therein.
[ 1985 c 450 § 38; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.260. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 71; RRS § 10407.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.270 - Effect on existing contracts.

RCW 80.36.270
Effect on existing contracts.
Nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent any telecommunications company from continuing to furnish the use of its line, equipment or service under any contract or contracts in force on June 7, 1911 or upon the taking effect of any schedule or schedules of rates subsequently filed with the commission, as herein provided, at the rates fixed in such contract or contracts.
[ 1989 c 101 § 12; 1985 c 450 § 39; 1961 c 14 § 80.36.270. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 43; RRS § 10379.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.300 - Policy declaration.

RCW 80.36.300
Policy declaration.
The legislature declares it is the policy of the state to:
(1) Preserve affordable universal telecommunications service;
(2) Maintain and advance the efficiency and availability of telecommunications service;
(3) Ensure that customers pay only reasonable charges for telecommunications service;
(4) Ensure that rates for noncompetitive telecommunications services do not subsidize the competitive ventures of regulated telecommunications companies;
(5) Promote diversity in the supply of telecommunications services and products in telecommunications markets throughout the state; and
(6) Permit flexible regulation of competitive telecommunications companies and services.
[ 1985 c 450 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.310 - Classification as competitive telecommunications companies, services—Initiation of proceedings—Notice and publication—Effective date—Date for final order.

RCW 80.36.310
Classification as competitive telecommunications companies, services—Initiation of proceedings—Notice and publication—Effective date—Date for final order.
(1) Telecommunications companies may petition to be classified as competitive telecommunications companies under RCW 80.36.320 or to have services classified as competitive telecommunications services under RCW 80.36.330. The commission may initiate classification proceedings on its own motion. The commission may require all regulated telecommunications companies potentially affected by a classification proceeding to appear as parties for a determination of their classification.
(2) Any company petition or commission motion for competitive classification shall state an effective date not sooner than thirty days from the filing date. The company must provide notice and publication of the proposed competitive classification in the same manner as provided in RCW 80.36.110 for tariff changes. The proposed classification shall take effect on the stated effective date unless suspended by the commission and set for hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW or set for a formal investigation and fact-finding under RCW 80.36.145. The commission shall enter its final order with respect to any suspended classification within six months from the date of filing of a company's petition or the commission's motion.
[ 1998 c 337 § 4; 1989 c 101 § 14; 1985 c 450 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.332 - Noncompetitive telecommunications companies, services—Minimal regulation.

RCW 80.36.332
Noncompetitive telecommunications companies, services—Minimal regulation.
(1) A noncompetitive telecommunications company may petition to have packages or bundles of telecommunications services it offers be subject to minimal regulation. The commission shall grant the petition where:
(a) Each noncompetitive service in the packages or bundle is readily and separately available to customers at fair, just, and reasonable prices;
(b) The price of the package or bundle is equal to or greater than the cost for tariffed services plus the cost of any competitive services as determined in accordance with RCW 80.36.330(3); and
(c) The availability and price of the stand-alone noncompetitive services are displayed in the company's tariff and on its website consistent with commission rules.
(2) For purposes of this section, "minimal regulation" shall have the same meaning as under RCW 80.36.330.
(3) The commission may waive any regulatory requirement under this title with respect to packages or bundles of telecommunications services if it finds those requirements are no longer necessary to protect public interest.
[ 2007 c 26 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.333 - Price lists in effect before June 7, 2006—Extension.

RCW 80.36.333
Price lists in effect before June 7, 2006—Extension.
(1) Until June 30, 2007, a telecommunications company may continue to maintain on file with the commission any price list that, pursuant to RCW 80.36.100, 80.36.320, and 80.36.330, was on file and in effect before June 7, 2006. The price list is subject to the statutes and rules in effect immediately before June 7, 2006.
(2) The commission may, upon petition by a company with a price list on file before June 7, 2006, extend the deadline in subsection (1) of this section until June 30, 2008. The commission may approve an extension only if the petitioning company demonstrates that it cannot reasonably implement a replacement for its price list by June 30, 2007, and that the extension of time will not result in harm to customers or competition.
[ 2006 c 347 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.338 - Withdrawal of price list—Customer information, opportunity to accept changes in rates, terms, or conditions—Cancellation period.

RCW 80.36.338
Withdrawal of price list—Customer information, opportunity to accept changes in rates, terms, or conditions—Cancellation period.
Each company withdrawing a filed price list shall provide each customer receiving service under the price list with information about the rates, terms, and conditions under which the service will continue to be provided. If the rates, terms, and conditions do not change upon withdrawal of the price list, such rates, terms, and conditions shall be binding to the same extent as the price list. If any of the rates, terms, and conditions do change upon withdrawal of the price list, the company must provide each customer with a reasonable opportunity to decide whether to accept the changed rate, term, or condition. If a customer does not cancel service within thirty days after notice of the change is given, the customer will be deemed to have accepted all the rates, terms, and conditions offered by the company.
[ 2006 c 347 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.340 - Banded rates.

RCW 80.36.340
Banded rates.
The commission may approve a tariff which includes banded rates for any telecommunications service if such tariff is in the public interest. "Banded rate" means a rate which has a minimum and a maximum rate. The minimum rate in the rate band shall cover the cost of the service. Rates may be changed within the rate band upon such notice as the commission may order.
[ 1985 c 450 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.350 - Registration of new companies—Waiver of provisions during state of emergency.

RCW 80.36.350
Registration of new companies—Waiver of provisions during state of emergency.
Each telecommunications company not operating under tariff in Washington on January 1, 1985, shall register with the commission before beginning operations in this state. The registration shall be on a form prescribed by the commission and shall contain such information as the commission may by rule require, but shall include as a minimum the name and address of the company; the name and address of its registered agent, if any; the name, address, and title of each officer or director; its most current balance sheet; its latest annual report, if any; and a description of the telecommunications services it offers or intends to offer.
The commission may require as a precondition to registration the procurement of a performance bond sufficient to cover any advances or deposits the telecommunications company may collect from its customers, or order that such advances or deposits be held in escrow or trust.
The commission may deny registration to any telecommunications company which:
(1) Does not provide the information required by this section;
(2) Fails to provide a performance bond, if required;
(3) Does not possess adequate financial resources to provide the proposed service; or
(4) Does not possess adequate technical competency to provide the proposed service.
The commission shall take action to approve or issue a notice of hearing concerning any application for registration within thirty days after receiving the application. The commission may approve an application with or without a hearing. The commission may deny an application after a hearing.
A telecommunications company may also submit a petition for competitive classification under RCW 80.36.310 at the time it applies for registration. The commission may act on the registration application and the competitive classification petition at the same time.
During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010(12), the governor may waive or suspend the operation or enforcement of this section or any portion of this section or under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate the operation of state or local government or to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.
[ 2008 c 181 § 410; 1990 c 10 § 1; 1985 c 450 § 7.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—2008 c 181: See note following RCW 43.06.220.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.360 - Exempted actions or transactions.

RCW 80.36.360
Exempted actions or transactions.
For the purposes of RCW 19.86.170, actions or transactions of competitive telecommunications companies, or associated with competitive telecommunications services, shall not be deemed otherwise permitted, prohibited, or regulated by the commission.
[ 1985 c 450 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.370 - Certain services not regulated.

RCW 80.36.370
Certain services not regulated.
The commission shall not regulate the following:
(1) One way broadcast or cable television transmission of television or radio signals;
(2) Private telecommunications systems;
(3) Telegraph services;
(4) Any sale, lease, or use of customer premises equipment except such equipment as is regulated on July 28, 1985;
(5) Private shared telecommunications services, unless the commission finds, upon notice and investigation, that customers of such services have no alternative access to local exchange telecommunications companies. If the commission makes such a finding, it may require the private shared telecommunications services provider to make alternative facilities or conduit space available on reasonable terms and conditions at reasonable prices;
(6) Radio communications services provided by a regulated telecommunications company, except that when those services are the only voice grade, local exchange telecommunications service available to a customer of the company the commission may regulate the radio communication service of that company.
[ 1990 c 118 § 1; 1985 c 450 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.410 - Washington telephone assistance program—Findings.

RCW 80.36.410
Washington telephone assistance program—Findings.
(1) The legislature finds that universal telephone service is an important policy goal of the state. The legislature further finds that: (a) Recent changes in the telecommunications industry, such as federal access charges, raise concerns about the ability of low-income persons to continue to afford access to local exchange telephone service; and (b) many low-income persons making the transition to independence from receiving supportive services through community agencies do not qualify for economic assistance from the department.
(2) Therefore, the legislature finds that: (a) It is in the public interest to take steps to mitigate the effects of these changes on low-income persons; and (b) advances in telecommunications technologies, such as community service voice mail provide new and economically efficient ways to secure many of the benefits of universal service to low-income persons who are not customers of local exchange telephone service.
[ 2003 c 134 § 2; 2002 c 104 § 2; 1987 c 229 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.420 - Washington telephone assistance program—Availability, components.

RCW 80.36.420
Washington telephone assistance program—Availability, components.
The Washington telephone assistance program may be available to participants of programs set forth in RCW 80.36.470. Within funds specifically appropriated by the legislature for the Washington telephone assistance program, assistance may consist of the following components:
(1) A discount on service connection fees of fifty percent or more as set forth in RCW 80.36.460.
(2) A waiver of deposit requirements on local exchange service, as set forth in RCW 80.36.460.
(3) A discounted flat rate service for local exchange service, which is subject to the following conditions:
(a) The commission must establish a single telephone assistance rate for all local exchange companies operating in the state of Washington. The telephone assistance rate must include any federal end user charges and any other charges necessary to obtain local exchange service.
(b) The commission must, in establishing the telephone assistance rate, consider all charges for local exchange service, including federal end user charges, mileage charges, extended area service, and any other charges necessary to obtain local exchange service.
(c) The telephone assistance rate is only available to eligible customers subscribing to the lowest priced local exchange flat rate service, where the lowest priced local exchange flat rate service, including any federal end user charges and any other charges necessary to obtain local exchange service, is greater than the telephone assistance rate.
(d) The cost of providing the service must be paid, to the maximum extent possible, by a waiver of all or part of federal end user charges and, to the extent necessary, from the available appropriated funds.
(4) A discount on a community service voice mailbox that provides recipients with (a) an individually assigned telephone number; (b) the ability to record a personal greeting; and (c) a secure private security code to retrieve messages.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 8 § 115; 2003 c 134 § 3; 1990 c 170 § 2; 1987 c 229 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 82.14B.040.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.430 - Washington telephone assistance program—Excise tax—Expenses of community service voice mail.

RCW 80.36.430
Washington telephone assistance program—Excise tax—Expenses of community service voice mail.
Subject to the enactment into law of the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.14B.040 in section 103, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.14B.042 in section 104, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.14B.030 in section 105, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.14B.200 in section 106, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., and the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.08.0289 in section 107, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess.:
(1) The Washington telephone assistance program is funded by the legislature by means of a biennial general fund appropriation to the department and by funds from any federal government or other programs for this purpose.
(2) Local exchange companies must bill the department for their expenses incurred in offering the telephone assistance program, including administrative and program expenses. The department must disburse the money to the local exchange companies. The department is exempted from having to conclude a contract with local exchange companies in order to effect this reimbursement. The department must recover its administrative costs. The department may specify by rule the range and extent of administrative and program expenses that will be reimbursed to local exchange companies.
(3) The department must enter into an agreement with the department of commerce for an amount not to exceed eight percent of the prior fiscal year's total revenue for the administrative and program expenses of providing community service voice mail services. The community service voice mail service may include toll-free lines in community action agencies through which recipients can access their community service voice mailboxes at no charge.
(4) The department shall enter into an agreement with the Washington information network 211 organization for operational support, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this purpose.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 8 § 108; 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 968; 2011 c 5 § 919; 2010 1st sp.s. c 37 § 951; 2009 c 564 § 960; 2004 c 254 § 2; 2003 c 134 § 4; 1990 c 170 § 3; 1987 c 229 § 5.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 82.14B.040.
Effective dates—2011 1st sp.s. c 50: See note following RCW 15.76.115.
Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 37: See note following RCW 13.06.050.
Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Responsibility for collection of tax—Implementation—2004 c 254: See notes following RCW 43.20A.725.
Effective date—2004 c 254: See note following RCW 43.20A.725.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.440 - Washington telephone assistance program—Rules.

RCW 80.36.440
Washington telephone assistance program—Rules.
(1) The commission and the department may adopt any rules necessary to implement RCW 80.36.410 through 80.36.470.
(2) Rules necessary for the implementation of community service voice mail services shall be made by the commission and the department in consultation with the department of commerce.
[ 2023 c 470 § 2127; 2003 c 134 § 5; 1990 c 170 § 4; 1987 c 229 § 6.]
NOTES:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.450 - Washington telephone assistance program—Limitation.

RCW 80.36.450
Washington telephone assistance program—Limitation.
Within funds specifically appropriated by the legislature for the Washington telephone assistance program, the Washington telephone assistance program must limit reimbursement to one residential switched access line per eligible household, or one discounted community service voice mailbox per eligible person.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 8 § 116; 2003 c 134 § 6; 1993 c 249 § 2; 1987 c 229 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 82.14B.040.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
Effective date—1993 c 249: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.460 - Washington telephone assistance program—Deposit waivers, connection fee discounts.

RCW 80.36.460
Washington telephone assistance program—Deposit waivers, connection fee discounts.
Local exchange companies must waive deposits on local exchange service for eligible subscribers and provide a fifty percent discount on the company's customary charge for commencing telecommunications service for eligible subscribers. The commission or other appropriate agency must make timely application for any available federal funds. The remaining portion of the connection fee to be paid by the subscriber must be expressly payable by installment fees spread over a period of months. A subscriber may, however, choose to pay the connection fee in a lump sum. Costs associated with the waiver and discount must be accounted for separately and recovered from the telephone assistance appropriation.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 8 § 117; 2003 c 134 § 7; 1990 c 170 § 5; 1987 c 229 § 8.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 82.14B.040.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.470 - Washington telephone assistance program—Eligibility.

RCW 80.36.470
Washington telephone assistance program—Eligibility.
(1) Adult recipients of department-administered programs for the financially needy which provide continuing financial or medical assistance, food stamps, or supportive services to persons in their own homes are eligible for participation in the telephone assistance program. The department must notify the participants of their eligibility.
(2) Participants in community service voice mail programs are eligible for participation in services available under RCW 80.36.420 (1), (2), and (3) after completing use of community service voice mail services. Eligibility must be for a period including the remainder of the current service year and the following service year. Community agencies must notify the department of participants eligible under this subsection.
(3) Enrollment in the Washington telephone assistance program may not result in expenditures that exceed the total amount of funds made available by the legislature for the Washington telephone assistance program. When the department finds that there is a danger of an overexpenditure of appropriated funds, the department must close the Washington telephone assistance program enrollment until the department finds the danger no longer exists.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 8 § 118; 2003 c 134 § 8; 2002 c 104 § 3; 1990 c 170 § 6; 1987 c 229 § 9.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 82.14B.040.
Effective date—2003 c 134: See note following RCW 80.36.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.510 - Legislative finding.

RCW 80.36.510
Legislative finding.
The legislature finds that a growing number of companies provide, in a nonresidential setting, telecommunications services necessary to long distance service without disclosing the services provided or the rate, charge or fee. The legislature finds that provision of these services without disclosure to consumers is a deceptive trade practice.
[ 1988 c 91 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.520 - Disclosure of alternate operator services.

RCW 80.36.520
Disclosure of alternate operator services.
The utilities and transportation commission shall by rule require, at a minimum, that any telecommunications company, operating as or contracting with an alternate operator services company, assure appropriate disclosure to consumers of the provision and the rate, charge or fee of services provided by an alternate operator services company.
For the purposes of this chapter, "alternate operator services company" means a person providing a connection to intrastate or interstate long-distance services from places including, but not limited to, hotels, motels, hospitals, and customer-owned pay telephones.
[ 1988 c 91 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.522 - Alternate operator service companies—Registration—Penalties.

RCW 80.36.522
Alternate operator service companies—Registration—Penalties.
All alternate operator service companies providing services within the state shall register with the commission as a telecommunications company before providing alternate operator services. The commission may deny an application for registration of an alternate operator services company if, after a hearing, it finds that the services and charges to be offered by the company are not for the public convenience and advantage. The commission may suspend the registration of an alternate operator services company if, after a hearing, it finds that the company does not meet the service or disclosure requirements of the commission. Any alternate operator services company that provides service without being properly registered with the commission shall be subject to a penalty of not less than five hundred dollars and not more than one thousand dollars for each and every offense. In case of a continuing offense, every day's continuance shall be a separate offense. The penalty shall be recovered in an action as provided in RCW 80.04.400.
[ 1990 c 247 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 80 - Public Utilities › Chapter 80.36 - Telecommunications. › 80.36.524 - Alternate operator service companies—Rules.

RCW 80.36.524
Alternate operator service companies—Rules.
The commission may adopt rules that provide for minimum service levels for telecommunications companies providing alternate operator services. The rules may provide a means for suspending the registration of a company providing alternate operator services if the company fails to meet minimum service levels or if the company fails to provide appropriate disclosure to consumers of the protection afforded under this chapter.
[ 1990 c 247 § 3.]