HB3148: Relating to the availability of residential telecommunication services for low-income customers; declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

Repeals the sunset on the Oregon Lifeline plan. Makes changes to the assistance that the plan provides. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Makes permanent the plan of assistance for low-income customers for telecommunication services. Renames the plan of assistance the Oregon Lifeline plan. Adds to the assistance provided to low-income customers a one-time personal computing device benefit for the purchase of an Internet-enabled computer and ancillary devices. Repeals the requirement but still permits the Public Utility Commission to use part of the surcharge assessed on retail telecommunications subscribers for marketing and outreach activities to increase participation in the plan of assistance. Repeals the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program Advisory Committee. Directs the commission to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act not later than [March] December 1, 2026. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.