Telecom bills advanced in Cal., N.C., Del., N.Y. and Mass. In Ca...

carriers’ networks. Under AB-1934, background check requirement applies not only to direct hires by carriers but also to contractors, vendors and their employees who have access to or contact with network equipment or customer premises. N.C. Gov. Mike Easley (D) signed bill to make Internet access service eligible for state universal service support. Measure (SB-641) also directs N.C. Utilities Commission to consider future evolution of telecom when considering what services should be eligible for universal service subsidies. Easley also signed HB-1521, which conforms state’s wireless taxation laws to federal Mobile Telecom Sourcing Act by making wireless services taxable at subscriber’s place of primary use, typically home or workplace, regardless of where call actually occurred. Del. Gov. Ruthann Miner (D) signed similar wireless taxation bill to conform Del. law to federal act (HB-492). N.Y. Gov. George Pataki (R) signed 2 telecom bills. First (SB-5027) allows state to extend right-of-way leases along N.Y. Thruway to 30 years. Previously, leases could run only 20 years. Second (SB-1607) directs Dept. of Public Service to study telecom services available to rural residents and make recommendations for legislation by Feb. 1. Study will look at whether status of communications systems is hindering small towns’ ability to attract and retain businesses. N.Y. legislature passed bill (SB-5207) to quintuple maximum fine for slamming. Under bill sent to Pataki, maximum fine would rise to $5,000 per slam, up from current $1,000. Measure would take effect 60 days after enactment. Legislature also passed AB-11669, which would authorize Nassau County to implement wireless E911 surcharge of up to 90 cents monthly on mobile phones of persons who live or work in county. Measure sent to Pataki would authorize fee but would requires the N.Y.C. suburb to pass its own enabling ordinance to put charge into effect. Mass. legislature passed bill (SB-2349) that would allow municipalities to modify telephone company equipment used for 911 service so their fire depts. could monitor 911 emergency calls. Under bill sent to Gov. Jane Swift (R), monitoring would be done only by trained fire dept. personnel at secure location. Another Mass. telecom bill, to create state no-call list (HB-5225), passed House and was sent to Senate. Bill would authorize state attorney gen. to maintain and enforce list and would set $5,000 fine per offending call. Victims would be able to file civil suits for damages. Mass. bill to extend contractor licensing to include telecom installers passed Senate Way & Means Committee. Bill (SB-2375) would require that telecom installers who perform work on commercial properties obtain state license by demonstrating competence before they could perform work on commercial properties. Requirement is similar to that imposed on electricians and alarm installers.