Telecommunications Bill Referred to Information Technology Commission After Floor Debate

Senate Bill 147, a measure touching telecommunications regulation and residential phone service, was referred to the statutory Information Technology Commission for study and possible recommendations to the Legislature after extended floor discussion.

Senator Steele moved that the chamber return the bill to the secretary of the Senate and refer it to the Information Technology Commission. On the floor, Steele described the bill as having "a lot of ramifications for our whole telecommunication industry" and said it "would give US West an unfair advantage in an area of residential phone service," remarks that prompted further discussion about regulatory balance.

Proponents of the referral argued the commission, which includes legislators and technical experts, is an appropriate forum for complex technical and industry issues and could compile amendments and recommendations before the bill returns to the Legislature. Steele said the bill had received substantial public input — he reported receiving 47 email messages on the legislation, mostly opposing it — and noted the commission and the Public Service Commission would be part of the ongoing dialogue.

Several senators recommended preparing amendments and working through the commission rather than amending the bill on the floor. After motions to return the bill to the secretary and to refer it to the Information Technology Commission, the Senate approved the referral and the matter will be the subject of interim study and further commission consideration.

Next steps: The Information Technology Commission is expected to review the bill, consider amendments and return recommendations to the Legislature for any future action.