HB 801 -- TELECOMMUNICATIONS

SPONSOR:  Kraus

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Utilities by a vote of 11 to 1.

This bill removes the expiration date of August 28, 2007, on the
provision restricting political subdivisions from providing
certain telecommunication services and facilities.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that political subdivisions will
continue to be restricted from competing with private companies
by offering telephone services.  Competition could hurt
taxpayers, and there are currently no municipalities that want to
offer this service.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Kraus; City Utilities
of Springfield; Embarq; CenturyTel; Missouri Telecommunications
Industry Association; Missouri Cable and Telecommunications
Association; and Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill took a neutral position on
the legislation.

Testifying on the bill was AT&T Missouri.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am