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ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor S.B. 709
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(2) An eligible subscriber applying for service may be denied service if
the eligible subscriber:
(i) has an outstanding unpaid net telephone debt of $100 or more
for prior telephone service; and
(ii) has not established a reasonable payment plan to satisfy the
debt.
(3) An eligible subscriber may not be denied service if the eligible
subscriber has an outstanding unpaid net telephone debt of less than $100 for prior
telephone service.
(H) (1) TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY FEDERAL LAW, THE DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN RESOURCES SHALL PROVIDE TO LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPANIES THAT
OFFER TELEPHONE LIFELINE SERVICE MONTHLY ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A FILE
CONTAINING A LIST OF ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM ANY OF
THE PROGRAMS LISTED IN SUBSECTION (A)(2) OF THIS SECTION.
(2) TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FILE, A LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPANY
MUST ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE DEPARTMENT
OF HUMAN RESOURCES THAT GOVERNS ACCESS TO USE, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND
RETENTION OF THE FILE.
(3) THE GRANT OF ACCESS TO THE FILE SATISFIES THE CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENT OF SUBSECTION (A)(2) OF THIS SECTION.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
(a) The Public Service Commission shall study the implications of expanding
the definition of "eligible subscriber" under § 8-201(a)(2) of the Public Utility
Companies Article as enacted by this Act to include individuals who:
(1) do not receive the specified assistance or benefits to be eligible for a
telephone lifeline service; and
(2) reside in subsidized housing where residential local exchange access
line service, residential local untimed messages, and other associated telephone
services are included as part of the individuals' rent payments.
(b) On or before December 31, 2006, the Public Service Commission shall
report its findings and recommendations, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State
Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic
Matters Committee.
SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect October 1, 2006.
May 26, 2006
The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
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