HB 1771
In CommitteeHouse
Universal communications
Concerning the state universal communications services program.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill renews and updates Washington’s Universal Communications Services Program to ensure continued access to affordable broadband and voice services, especially in rural and underserved areas, and to support public safety communications like 911. It provides up to $5 million per year in state funding to small telecom providers who agree to meet service and affordability requirements, and extends the program through June 2027.
- Establishes a state Universal Communications Services Program to support broadband and voice service access, especially in underserved areas, and to strengthen public safety communications (e.g., 911).
- Creates a $5 million per fiscal year funding pool (with rollover) in the Universal Communications Services Account to support eligible providers who agree to provide services at regulated rates and meet requirements like 911 access and low-income affordability programs.
- Expands eligibility for program funding to include small telecom providers (serving fewer than 20,000 access lines) and wireless providers meeting specific criteria, including infrastructure and service standards.
- Requires providers receiving funds to use battery backup systems to ensure emergency service access during power outages, and prohibits overbuilding in areas already receiving federal funding that exceeds state broadband speed goals.
- Sets a sunset date of June 30, 2027, for the program and related statutory provisions, and includes authority for the Utilities and Transportation Commission to adopt rules, monitor compliance, and impose penalties for misuse of funds.
Who is affected
- Small communications providers — Small telecom providers (incumbent local exchange carriers with fewer than 20,000 access lines in Washington) may receive state funding to help maintain and expand broadband and voice services, especially in underserved areas, if they meet eligibility criteria like offering affordable service plans and ensuring 911 access.
- Residents in underserved or rural areas — Rural and low-income residents benefit from improved access to reliable broadband and voice services, including emergency services like 911, and may receive discounted services through programs like Lifeline if their provider participates.
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission — The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) gains authority to manage and oversee the program, including rulemaking, distributing funds, and enforcing compliance.
- Public safety agencies — Emergency responders and public safety agencies benefit from enhanced support for 911 and next-generation 911 services, including infrastructure upgrades and reliability requirements.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Directly funds up to $5M/year to expand broadband and voice services in underserved and rural areas, strengthening 911 access and emergency response capabilities—critical for communities with historically poor connectivity.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(1), (2), (3)(a), (3)(b)Requires participating providers to offer discounted services through programs like Lifeline and ensure 911 access, directly improving affordability and safety for low-income and elderly residents in rural and mobile home parks where broadband gaps are largest.
HousingPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(5)(a)(iv), (v)Expands eligibility to small telecom providers (≤20,000 access lines), enabling rural co-ops and independent carriers to access state funding—helping them compete with larger incumbents and avoid service cuts or closures.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(5)(a)(i)Allows funding for infrastructure upgrades supporting distance learning, telemedicine, and public library services—critical for rural schools and health clinics that lack reliable broadband and face higher costs for alternatives.
EducationPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(3)(c), (d)Creates a dedicated, rolling $5M/year fund with penalties for misuse, ensuring long-term financial stability for the program and protecting public safety communications (e.g., 911) from budget cuts or provider insolvency.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(2), (3)(b); Sec. 7
Potential Concerns (5)
Prohibits overbuilding in areas already receiving federal broadband funding that exceeds state speed goals, potentially limiting future infrastructure expansion opportunities for providers in mixed-funding regions.
Business & EmploymentRef: RCW 80.36.650(4)Sunsets the program on June 30, 2027, creating uncertainty for long-term infrastructure planning and potentially requiring repeated legislative reauthorization, which may disrupt continuity of service improvements.
Local GovernmentRef: RCW 80.36.650(9) & (10); Sec. 8Requires battery backup systems for emergency service access during power outages, which may impose modest capital and maintenance costs on small providers—potentially straining cash-strapped rural telecoms with limited technical capacity.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(5)(a)(iii)Mandates participation in low-income affordability programs (e.g., Lifeline), which, while beneficial to consumers, may increase administrative burden and reduce revenue per user for small providers with limited scale.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(5)(a)(iv)Requires eligible providers to adopt a broadband plan, which may be burdensome for micro-businesses without dedicated planning staff—though this is a minor compliance cost for most small providers.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: RCW 80.36.650(5)(a)(ii)
Who Is Most Affected
Small telecom providers (≤20,000 access lines) gain direct access to state funding to maintain and expand services in rural areas—critical for their financial viability. However, they face new compliance burdens (battery backup, affordability programs, reporting).
Rural and low-income residents benefit from improved access to affordable broadband and voice services, including emergency 911 reliability and discounted Lifeline plans—reducing digital divide and enhancing safety.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission gains expanded authority to manage and enforce program compliance, but must also absorb administrative costs and oversight responsibilities—net neutral effect on its mission.
Public safety agencies benefit from strengthened 911 infrastructure and reliability requirements, especially during power outages—directly improving emergency response capability in rural jurisdictions.
Rural schools, clinics, and libraries gain indirect but significant benefits from improved broadband access for distance learning, telehealth, and digital services—though they are not direct program recipients.