HB5214 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 37479 CES 67602 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB5214

Introduced 2/9/2024, by Rep. Lilian Jiménez

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

220 ILCS 5/13-301.1 rep.
220 ILCS 5/13-506.2
305 ILCS 23/5
305 ILCS 23/10
305 ILCS 23/15
305 ILCS 23/20

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Repeals provisions requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission to establish a Universal Telephone Service Assistance Program for low-income residential customers and to adopt rules providing for enhanced enrollment for eligible consumers to receive lifeline service. Repeals a provision requiring an Electing Provider, located in the same geographic area in which local exchange telecommunications services were classified as competitive, to be subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in commitments made by the Electing Provider in connection with the previous competitive classifications. Repeals provisions requiring an Electing Provider to continue to offer and provide the optional packages under the Act to existing customers and new customers through July 1, 2017. Amends the Broadband Adoption Fund Act. Provides that "broadband internet" means a minimum service level of at least 25 megabits per second download speed. Provides that "provider" means a provider of communication services or broadband Internet in the State. Provides for the provision of devices used to connect to the Internet. Provides that providers shall notify customers that, if the customer wishes to participate in the funding of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund, the customer may do so by electing to contribute on a monthly basis a fixed amount that will be included in the customer's monthly bill. Sets forth related requirements. Describes a customer's right to cease contributing to the Fund at any time. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

(220 ILCS 5/13-301.1 rep.)

Section 5. The Public Utilities Act is amended by repealing Section 13-301.1.

Section 10. The Public Utilities Act is amended by changing Section 13-506.2 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/13-506.2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2026)

Sec. 13-506.2. Market regulation for competitive retail services.

(a) Definitions. As used in this Section:

(1) "Electing Provider" means a telecommunications carrier that is subject to either rate regulation pursuant to Section 13-504 or Section 13-505 or alternative regulation pursuant to Section 13-506.1 and that elects to have the rates, terms, and conditions of its competitive retail telecommunications services solely determined and regulated pursuant to the terms of this Article.

(2) "Basic local exchange service" means either a stand-alone residence network access line and per-call usage or, for any geographic area in which such stand-alone service is not offered, a stand-alone flat rate residence network access line for which local calls are not charged for frequency or duration. Extended Area Service shall be included in basic local exchange service.

(3) "Existing customer" means a residential customer who was subscribing to one of the optional packages described in subsection (d) of this Section as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly. A customer who was subscribing to one of the optional packages on that date but stops subscribing thereafter shall not be considered an "existing customer" as of the date the customer stopped subscribing to the optional package, unless the stoppage is temporary and caused by the customer changing service address locations, or unless the customer resumes subscribing and is eligible to receive discounts on monthly telephone service under the federal Lifeline program, 47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart E.

(4) "New customer" means a residential customer who was not subscribing to one of the optional packages described in subsection (d) of this Section as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly and who is eligible to receive discounts on monthly telephone service under the federal Lifeline program, 47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart E.

(b) Election for market regulation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an Electing Provider may elect to have the rates, terms, and conditions of its competitive retail telecommunications services solely determined and regulated pursuant to the terms of this Section by filing written notice of its election for market regulation with the Commission. The notice of election shall designate the geographic area of the Electing Provider's service territory where the market regulation shall apply, either on a state-wide basis or in one or more specified Market Service Areas ("MSA") or Exchange areas. An Electing Provider shall not make an election for market regulation under this Section unless it commits in its written notice of election for market regulation to fulfill the conditions and requirements in this Section in each geographic area in which market regulation is elected. Immediately upon filing the notice of election for market regulation, the Electing Provider shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission to the extent expressly provided in this Section.

(c) Competitive classification. Market regulation shall be available for competitive retail telecommunications services as provided in this subsection.

(1) For geographic areas in which telecommunications services provided by the Electing Provider were classified as competitive either through legislative action or a tariff filing pursuant to Section 13-502 prior to January 1, 2010, and that are included in the Electing Provider's notice of election pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section, such services, and all recurring and nonrecurring charges associated with, related to or used in connection with such services, shall be classified as competitive without further Commission review. For services classified as competitive pursuant to this subsection, the requirements or conditions in any order or decision rendered by the Commission pursuant to Section 13-502 prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, except for the commitments made by the Electing Provider in such order or decision concerning the optional packages required in subsection (d) of this Section and basic local exchange service as defined in this Section, shall no longer be in effect and no Commission investigation, review, or proceeding under Section 13-502 shall be continued, conducted, or maintained with respect to such services, charges, requirements, or conditions. If an Electing Provider has ceased providing optional packages to customers pursuant to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, the commitments made by the Electing Provider in such order or decision concerning the optional packages under subsection (d) of this Section shall no longer be in effect and no Commission investigation, review, or proceeding under Section 13-502 shall be continued, conducted, or maintained with respect to such packages.

(2) For those geographic areas in which residential local exchange telecommunications services have not been classified as competitive as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, all telecommunications services provided to residential and business end users by an Electing Provider in the geographic area that is included in its notice of election pursuant to subsection (b) shall be classified as competitive for purposes of this Article without further Commission review.

(3) If an Electing Provider was previously subject to alternative regulation pursuant to Section 13-506.1 of this Article, the alternative regulation plan shall terminate in whole for all services subject to that plan and be of no force or effect, without further Commission review or action, when the Electing Provider's residential local exchange telecommunications service in each MSA in its telecommunications service area in the State has been classified as competitive pursuant to either subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this Section.

(4) The service packages described in Section 13-518 shall be classified as competitive for purposes of this Section if offered by an Electing Provider in a geographic area in which local exchange telecommunications service has been classified as competitive pursuant to either subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this Section.

(5) Where a service, or its functional equivalent, or a substitute service offered by a carrier that is not an Electing Provider or the incumbent local exchange carrier for that area is also being offered by an Electing Provider for some identifiable class or group of customers in an exchange, group of exchanges, or some other clearly defined geographical area, the service offered by a carrier that is not an Electing Provider or the incumbent local exchange carrier for that area shall be classified as competitive without further Commission review.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, retail telecommunications services classified as competitive pursuant to Section 13-502 or subdivision (c)(5) of this Section shall have their rates, terms, and conditions solely determined and regulated pursuant to the terms of this Section in the same manner and to the same extent as the competitive retail telecommunications services of an Electing Provider, except that subsections (d), (g), and (j) of this Section shall not apply to a carrier that is not an Electing Provider or to the competitive telecommunications services of a carrier that is not an Electing Provider. The access services of a carrier that is not an Electing Provider shall remain subject to Section 13-900.2. The requirements in subdivision (e)(3) of this Section shall not apply to retail telecommunications services classified as competitive pursuant to Section 13-502 or subdivision (c)(5) of this Section, except that, upon request from the Commission, the telecommunications carrier providing competitive retail telecommunications services shall provide a report showing the number of credits and exemptions for the requested time period.

(d) Each Electing Provider shall offer consumer Consumer choice safe harbor options.

(1) An Electing Provider Subject to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, an Electing Provider in each of the MSA or Exchange areas classified as competitive pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this Section shall offer to all residential customers who choose to subscribe the following optional packages of services priced at the same rate levels in effect on January 1, 2010:

(A) A basic package, which shall consist of a stand-alone residential network access line and 30 local calls. If the Electing Provider offers a stand-alone residential access line and local usage on a per call basis, the price for the basic package shall be the Electing Provider's applicable price in effect on January 1, 2010 for the sum of a residential access line and 30 local calls, additional calls over 30 calls shall be provided at the current per call rate. However, this basic package is not required if stand-alone residential network access lines or per-call local usage are not offered by the Electing Provider in the geographic area on January 1, 2010 or if the Electing Provider has not increased its stand-alone network access line and local usage rates, including Extended Area Service rates, since January 1, 2010.

(B) An extra package, which shall consist of residential basic local exchange network access line and unlimited local calls. The price for the extra package shall be the Electing Provider's applicable price in effect on January 1, 2010 for a residential access line with unlimited local calls.

(C) A plus package, which shall consist of residential basic local exchange network access line, unlimited local calls, and the customer's choice of 2 vertical services offered by the Electing Provider. The term "vertical services" as used in this subsection, includes, but is not limited to, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, call tracing, automatic callback, repeat dialing, and voicemail. The price for the plus package shall be the Electing Provider's applicable price in effect on January 1, 2010 for the sum of a residential access line with unlimited local calls and 2 times the average price for the vertical features included in the package.

(2) (Blank). Subject to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, for those geographic areas in which local exchange telecommunications services were classified as competitive on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, an Electing Provider in each such MSA or Exchange area shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in commitments made by the Electing Provider in connection with such previous competitive classifications, which shall apply with equal force under this Section, except as follows: (i) the limits on price increases on the optional packages required by this Section shall be extended consistent with subsection (d)(1) of this Section and (ii) the price for the extra package required by subsection (d)(1)(B) shall be reduced by one dollar from the price in effect on January 1, 2010. In addition, if an Electing Provider obtains a competitive classification pursuant to subsection (c)(1) and (c)(2), the price for the optional packages shall be determined in such area in compliance with subsection (d)(1), except the price for the plus package required by subsection (d)(1) (C) shall be the lower of the price for such area or the price of the plus package in effect on January 1, 2010 for areas classified as competitive pursuant to subsection (c)(1).

(3) (Blank). To the extent that the requirements in Section 13-518 applied to a telecommunications carrier prior to the effective date of this Section and that telecommunications carrier becomes an Electing Provider in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the requirements in Section 13-518 shall cease to apply to that Electing Provider in those geographic areas included in the Electing Provider's notice of election pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section.

(4) Each Subject to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, an Electing Provider shall make the optional packages required by this subsection and stand-alone residential network access lines and local usage, where offered, readily available to the public by providing information, in a clear manner, to residential customers. Information shall be made available on a website, and an Electing Provider shall provide notification to its customers every month 6 months, provided that notification may consist of a bill page message that provides an objective description of the safe harbor options that includes a telephone number and website address where the customer may obtain additional information about the packages from the Electing Provider. The optional packages shall be offered on a monthly basis with no term of service requirement. An Electing Provider shall allow online electronic ordering of the optional packages and stand-alone residential network access lines and local usage, where offered, on its website in a manner similar to the online electronic ordering of its other residential services.

(5) Subject to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, an Electing Provider shall comply with the Commission's existing rules, regulations, and notices in Title 83, Part 735 of the Illinois Administrative Code when offering or providing the optional packages required by this subsection (d) and stand-alone residential network access lines.

(6) Subject to subdivision (d)(8) of this Section, an Electing Provider shall provide to the Commission semi-annual subscribership reports as of June 30 and December 31 that contain the number of its customers subscribing to each of the consumer choice safe harbor packages required by subsection (d)(1) of this Section and the number of its customers subscribing to retail residential basic local exchange service as defined in subsection (a)(2) of this Section. The first semi-annual reports shall be made on April 1, 2011 for December 31, 2010, and on September 1, 2011 for June 30, 2011, and semi-annually on April 1 and September 1 thereafter. Such subscribership information shall be accorded confidential and proprietary treatment upon request by the Electing Provider.

(7) The Commission shall have the power, after notice and hearing as provided in this Article, upon complaint or upon its own motion, to take corrective action if the requirements of this Section are not complied with by an Electing Provider.

(8) (Blank). On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly, an Electing Provider shall continue to offer and provide the optional packages described in this subsection (d) to existing customers and new customers. On and after July 1, 2017, an Electing Provider may immediately stop offering the optional packages described in this subsection (d) and, upon providing two notices to affected customers and to the Commission, may stop providing the optional packages described in this subsection (d) to all customers who subscribe to one of the optional packages. The first notice shall be provided at least 90 days before the date upon which the Electing Provider intends to stop providing the optional packages, and the second notice must be provided at least 30 days before that date. The first notice shall not be provided prior to July 1, 2017. Each notice must identify the date on which the Electing Provider intends to stop providing the optional packages, at least one alternative service available to the customer, and a telephone number by which the customer may contact a service representative of the Electing Provider. After July 1, 2017 with respect to new customers, and upon the expiration of the second notice period with respect to customers who were subscribing to one of the optional packages, subdivisions (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(4), (d)(5), (d)(6), and (d)(7) of this Section shall not apply to the Electing Provider. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, an Electing Provider that has ceased providing the optional packages under this subdivision (d)(8) is not subject to Section 13-301(1)(c) of this Act. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, and subject to subdivision (d)(7) of this Section, the Commission's authority over the discontinuance of the optional packages described in this subsection (d) by an Electing Provider shall be governed solely by this subsection (d)(8).

(e) Service quality and customer credits for basic local exchange service.

(1) An Electing Provider shall meet the following service quality standards in providing basic local exchange service, which for purposes of this subsection (e), includes both basic local exchange service and any consumer choice safe harbor options that may be required by subsection (d) of this Section.

(A) Install basic local exchange service within 5 business days after receipt of an order from the customer unless the customer requests an installation date that is beyond 5 business days after placing the order for basic service and to inform the customer of the Electing Provider's duty to install service within this timeframe. If installation of service is requested on or by a date more than 5 business days in the future, the Electing Provider shall install service by the date requested.

(B) Restore basic local exchange service for the customer within 30 hours after receiving notice that the customer is out of service.

(C) Keep all repair and installation appointments for basic local exchange service if a customer premises visit requires a customer to be present. The appointment window shall be either a specific time or, at a maximum, a 4-hour time block during evening, weekend, and normal business hours.

(D) Inform a customer when a repair or installation appointment requires the customer to be present.

(2) Customers shall be credited by the Electing Provider for violations of basic local exchange service quality standards described in subdivision (e)(1) of this Section. The credits shall be applied automatically on the statement issued to the customer for the next monthly billing cycle following the violation or following the discovery of the violation. The next monthly billing cycle following the violation or the discovery of the violation means the billing cycle immediately following the billing cycle in process at the time of the violation or discovery of the violation, provided the total time between the violation or discovery of the violation and the issuance of the credit shall not exceed 60 calendar days. The Electing Provider is responsible for providing the credits and the customer is under no obligation to request such credits. The following credits shall apply:

(A) If an Electing Provider fails to repair an out-of-service condition for basic local exchange service within 30 hours, the Electing Provider shall provide a credit to the customer. If the service disruption is for more than 30 hours, but not more than 48 hours, the credit must be equal to a pro-rata portion of the monthly recurring charges for all basic local exchange services disrupted. If the service disruption is for more than 48 hours, but not more than 72 hours, the credit must be equal to at least 33% of one month's recurring charges for all local services disrupted. If the service disruption is for more than 72 hours, but not more than 96 hours, the credit must be equal to at least 67% of one month's recurring charges for all basic local exchange services disrupted. If the service disruption is for more than 96 hours, but not more than 120 hours, the credit must be equal to one month's recurring charges for all basic local exchange services disrupted. For each day or portion thereof that the service disruption continues beyond the initial 120-hour period, the Electing Provider shall also provide an additional credit of $20 per calendar day.

(B) If an Electing Provider fails to install basic local exchange service as required under subdivision (e)(1) of this Section, the Electing Provider shall waive 50% of any installation charges, or in the absence of an installation charge or where installation is pursuant to the Link Up program, the Electing Provider shall provide a credit of $25. If an Electing Provider fails to install service within 10 business days after the service application is placed, or fails to install service within 5 business days after the customer's requested installation date, if the requested date was more than 5 business days after the date of the order, the Electing Provider shall waive 100% of the installation charge, or in the absence of an installation charge or where installation is provided pursuant to the Link Up program, the Electing Provider shall provide a credit of $50. For each day that the failure to install service continues beyond the initial 10 business days, or beyond 5 business days after the customer's requested installation date, if the requested date was more than 5 business days after the date of the order, the Electing Provider shall also provide an additional credit of $20 per calendar day until the basic local exchange service is installed.

(C) If an Electing Provider fails to keep a scheduled repair or installation appointment when a customer premises visit requires a customer to be present as required under subdivision (e)(1) of this Section, the Electing Provider shall credit the customer $25 per missed appointment. A credit required by this subdivision does not apply when the Electing Provider provides the customer notice of its inability to keep the appointment no later than 8:00 pm of the day prior to the scheduled date of the appointment.

(D) Credits required by this subsection do not apply if the violation of a service quality standard:

(i) occurs as a result of a negligent or willful act on the part of the customer;

(ii) occurs as a result of a malfunction of customer-owned telephone equipment or inside wiring;

(iii) occurs as a result of, or is extended by, an emergency situation as defined in 83 Ill. Adm. Code 732.10;

(iv) is extended by the Electing Provider's inability to gain access to the customer's premises due to the customer missing an appointment, provided that the violation is not further extended by the Electing Provider;

(v) occurs as a result of a customer request to change the scheduled appointment, provided that the violation is not further extended by the Electing Provider;

(vi) occurs as a result of an Electing Provider's right to refuse service to a customer as provided in Commission rules; or

(vii) occurs as a result of a lack of facilities where a customer requests service at a geographically remote location, where a customer requests service in a geographic area where the Electing Provider is not currently offering service, or where there are insufficient facilities to meet the customer's request for service, subject to an Electing Provider's obligation for reasonable facilities planning.

(3) Each Electing Provider shall provide to the Commission on a quarterly basis and in a form suitable for posting on the Commission's website in conformance with the rules adopted by the Commission and in effect on April 1, 2010, a public report that includes the following data for basic local exchange service quality of service:

(A) With regard to credits due in accordance with subdivision (e)(2)(A) as a result of out-of-service conditions lasting more than 30 hours:

(i) the total dollar amount of any customer credits paid;

(ii) the number of credits issued for repairs between 30 and 48 hours;

(iii) the number of credits issued for repairs between 49 and 72 hours;

(iv) the number of credits issued for repairs between 73 and 96 hours;

(v) the number of credits used for repairs between 97 and 120 hours;

(vi) the number of credits issued for repairs greater than 120 hours; and

(vii) the number of exemptions claimed for each of the categories identified in subdivision (e)(2)(D).

(B) With regard to credits due in accordance with subdivision (e)(2)(B) as a result of failure to install basic local exchange service:

(i) the total dollar amount of any customer credits paid;

(ii) the number of installations after 5 business days;

(iii) the number of installations after 10 business days;

(iv) the number of installations after 11 business days; and

(v) the number of exemptions claimed for each of the categories identified in subdivision (e)(2)(D).

(C) With regard to credits due in accordance with subdivision (e)(2)(C) as a result of missed appointments:

(i) the total dollar amount of any customer credits paid;

(ii) the number of any customers receiving credits; and

(iii) the number of exemptions claimed for each of the categories identified in subdivision (e)(2)(D).

(D) The Electing Provider's annual report required by this subsection shall also include, for informational reporting, the performance data described in subdivisions (e)(2)(A), (e)(2)(B), and (e)(2)(C), and trouble reports per 100 access lines calculated using the Commission's existing applicable rules and regulations for such measures, including the requirements for service standards established in this Section.

(4) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the service quality rules and customer credits in this subsection (e) of this Section and other enforcement mechanisms, including fines and penalties authorized by Section 13-305, shall apply on a nondiscriminatory basis to all Electing Providers. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provision of any service quality rules promulgated by the Commission, any alternative regulation plan adopted by the Commission, or any other order of the Commission, any Electing Provider that is subject to any other order of the Commission and that violates or fails to comply with the service quality standards promulgated pursuant to this subsection (e) or any other order of the Commission shall not be subject to any fines, penalties, customer credits, or enforcement mechanisms other than such fines or penalties or customer credits as may be imposed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (e) and Section 13-305, which are to be generally applicable to all Electing Providers. The amount of any fines or penalties imposed by the Commission for failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection (e) shall be an appropriate amount, taking into account, at a minimum, the Electing Provider's gross annual intrastate revenue; the frequency, duration, and recurrence of the violation; and the relative harm caused to the affected customers or other users of the network. In imposing fines and penalties, the Commission shall take into account compensation or credits paid by the Electing Provider to its customers pursuant to this subsection (e) in compensation for any violation found pursuant to this subsection (e), and in any event the fine or penalty shall not exceed an amount equal to the maximum amount of a civil penalty that may be imposed under Section 13-305.

(5) An Electing Provider in each of the MSA or Exchange areas classified as competitive pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section shall fulfill the requirements in subdivision (e)(3) of this Section for 3 years after its notice of election becomes effective. After such 3 years, the requirements in subdivision (e)(3) of this Section shall not apply to such Electing Provider, except that, upon request from the Commission, the Electing Provider shall provide a report showing the number of credits and exemptions for the requested time period.

(f) Commission jurisdiction over competitive retail telecommunications services. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this Section, the Commission shall thereafter have no jurisdiction or authority over any aspect of competitive retail telecommunications service of an Electing Provider in those geographic areas included in the Electing Provider's notice of election pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section or of a retail telecommunications service classified as competitive pursuant to Section 13-502 or subdivision (c)(5) of this Section, heretofore subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, including but not limited to, any requirements of this Article related to the terms, conditions, rates, quality of service, availability, classification or any other aspect of any competitive retail telecommunications services. No telecommunications carrier shall commit any unfair or deceptive act or practice in connection with any aspect of the offering or provision of any competitive retail telecommunications service. Nothing in this Article shall limit or affect any provisions in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act with respect to any unfair or deceptive act or practice by a telecommunications carrier.

(g) Commission authority over access services upon election for market regulation.

(1) As part of its Notice of Election for Market Regulation, the Electing Provider shall reduce its intrastate switched access rates to rates no higher than its interstate switched access rates in 4 installments. The first reduction must be made 30 days after submission of its complete application for Notice of Election for Market Regulation, and the Electing Provider must reduce its intrastate switched access rates by an amount equal to 33% of the difference between its current intrastate switched access rates and its current interstate switched access rates. The second reduction must be made no later than one year after the first reduction, and the Electing Provider must reduce its then current intrastate switched access rates by an amount equal to 41% of the difference between its then current intrastate switched access rates and its then current interstate switched access rates. The third reduction must be made no later than one year after the second reduction, and the Electing Provider must reduce its then current intrastate switched access rates by an amount equal to 50% of the difference between its then current intrastate switched access rate and its then current interstate switched access rates. The fourth reduction must be made on or before June 30, 2013, and the Electing Provider must reduce its intrastate switched access rate to mirror its then current interstate switched access rates and rate structure. Following the fourth reduction, each Electing Provider must continue to set its intrastate switched access rates to mirror its interstate switched access rates and rate structure. For purposes of this subsection, the rate for intrastate switched access service means the composite, per-minute rate for that service, including all applicable fixed and traffic-sensitive charges, including, but not limited to, carrier common line charges.

(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) of this subsection (g) prohibits an Electing Provider from electing to offer intrastate switched access service at rates lower than its interstate switched access rates.

(3) The Commission shall have no authority to order an Electing Provider to set its rates for intrastate switched access at a level lower than its interstate switched access rates.

(4) The Commission's authority under this subsection (g) shall only apply to Electing Providers under Market Regulation. The Commission's authority over switched access services for all other carriers is retained under Section 13-900.2 of this Act.

(h) Safety of service equipment and facilities.

(1) An Electing Provider shall furnish, provide, and maintain such service instrumentalities, equipment, and facilities as shall promote the safety, health, comfort, and convenience of its patrons, employees, and public and as shall be in all respects adequate, reliable, and efficient without discrimination or delay. Every Electing Provider shall provide service and facilities that are in all respects environmentally safe.

(2) The Commission is authorized to conduct an investigation of any Electing Provider or part thereof. The investigation may examine the reasonableness, prudence, or efficiency of any aspect of the Electing Provider's operations or functions that may affect the adequacy, safety, efficiency, or reliability of telecommunications service. The Commission may conduct or order an investigation only when it has reasonable grounds to believe that the investigation is necessary to assure that the Electing Provider is providing adequate, efficient, reliable, and safe service. The Commission shall, before initiating any such investigation, issue an order describing the grounds for the investigation and the appropriate scope and nature of the investigation, which shall be reasonably related to the grounds relied upon by the Commission in its order.

(i) (Blank).

(j) Application of Article VII. The provisions of Sections 7-101, 7-102, 7-104, 7-204, 7-205, and 7-206 of this Act are applicable to an Electing Provider offering or providing retail telecommunications service, and the Commission's regulation thereof, except that (1) the approval of contracts and arrangements with affiliated interests required by paragraph (3) of Section 7-101 shall not apply to such telecommunications carriers provided that, except as provided in item (2), those contracts and arrangements shall be filed with the Commission; (2) affiliated interest contracts or arrangements entered into by such telecommunications carriers where the increased obligation thereunder does not exceed the lesser of $5,000,000 or 5% of such carrier's prior annual revenue from noncompetitive services are not required to be filed with the Commission; and (3) any consent and approval of the Commission required by Section 7-102 is not required for the sale, lease, assignment, or transfer by any Electing Provider of any property that is not necessary or useful in the performance of its duties to the public.

(k) Notwithstanding other provisions of this Section, the Commission retains its existing authority to enforce the provisions, conditions, and requirements of the following Sections of this Article: 13-101, 13-103, 13-201, 13-301, 13-301.1, 13-301.2, 13-301.3, 13-303, 13-303.5, 13-304, 13-305, 13-401, 13-401.1, 13-402, 13-403, 13-404, 13-404.1, 13-404.2, 13-405, 13-406, 13-501, 13-501.5, 13-503, 13-505, 13-509, 13-510, 13-512, 13-513, 13-514, 13-515, 13-516, 13-519, 13-702, 13-703, 13-704, 13-705, 13-706, 13-707, 13-709, 13-713, 13-801, 13-802.1, 13-804, 13-900, 13-900.1, 13-900.2, 13-901, 13-902, and 13-903, which are fully and equally applicable to Electing Providers and to telecommunications carriers providing retail telecommunications service classified as competitive pursuant to Section 13-502 or subdivision (c)(5) of this Section subject to the provisions of this Section. On the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly, the following Sections of this Article shall cease to apply to Electing Providers and to telecommunications carriers providing retail telecommunications service classified as competitive pursuant to Section 13-502 or subdivision (c)(5) of this Section: 13-302, 13-405.1, 13-502, 13-502.5, 13-504, 13-505.2, 13-505.3, 13-505.4, 13-505.5, 13-505.6, 13-506.1, 13-507, 13-507.1, 13-508, 13-508.1, 13-517, 13-518, 13-601, 13-701, and 13-712.

(Source: P.A. 99-6, eff. 6-29-15; 100-20, eff. 7-1-17; 100-840, eff. 8-13-18.)

Section 15. The Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund Act is amended by changing Sections 5, 10, 15 and 20 as follows:

(305 ILCS 23/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Broadband Internet" means lines or wireless channels that terminate at an end-user location and enable the end-user to receive a minimum service level of at least 25 megabits per second download speed and 3 megabits per second upload speed.

"Covered agencies" means those social service agencies receiving State or federal funds to assist persons eligible under the Illinois Broadband Adoption Program.

"Department" means the Department of Human Services.

"Fund" refers to the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund.

"Provider" means a provider of communication services or broadband Internet in this State.

(Source: P.A. 102-648, eff. 8-27-21.)

(305 ILCS 23/10)

Sec. 10. Illinois Broadband Adoption Program. The Illinois Broadband Adoption Program is established for the purpose of expanding availability of broadband Internet connectivity throughout the State by:

(1) providing financial assistance to State residents to whom broadband Internet service is available, but who may require assistance to adopt or maintain service due to economic hardship;

(2) promoting the adoption of home broadband Internet service by State residents, such as through the provision of devices used to connect to the Internet; and

(3) supporting digital skills training for State residents.

(Source: P.A. 102-648, eff. 8-27-21.)

(305 ILCS 23/15)

Sec. 15. Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund.

(a) The Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund is established as a special fund within the State treasury for the purpose of providing financial assistance under this Act. The Department shall administer the fund.

(b) The fund consists of:

(1) money received through the federal American Rescue Plan and other vehicles designed to address and relieve economic hardship for State households;

(2) money appropriated by the General Assembly;

(3) money transferred to the fund under the Treasurer as Custodian of Funds Act; and

(4) donations, gifts, and money received from any other source, including transfers from other funds or accounts.

(c) The Treasurer shall invest the money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same manner as other public funds may be invested.

(d) Additionally, each telecommunications carrier, wireless carrier, cable and video service provider, and Interconnected VoIP service provider shall notify its customers that if the customer wishes to participate in the funding of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund the customer may do so by electing to contribute on a monthly basis, a fixed amount that will be included in the customer's monthly bill. The fixed amount choices shall include, but shall not be limited to, $1, $2, or $5 per month. A donation opportunity check box shall be placed on all carrier and provider bills. If the customer has elected electronic billing, that customer shall also be notified monthly of the opportunity to contribute to the Fund. The customer may cease contributing at any time upon providing notice to the carrier or provider. The notice shall state that any contribution made will not reduce the customer's bill for communications or broadband services. The customer's failure to remit the amount of increased payment will reduce the contribution accordingly. Every telecommunications carrier, wireless carrier, cable and video provider, and Interconnected VoIP service provider shall remit the amounts contributed in accordance with the terms established by the Fund.

(Source: P.A. 102-648, eff. 8-27-21.)

(305 ILCS 23/20)

Sec. 20. Application for financial assistance.

(a) The Department may determine qualifications for broadband Internet provider participation or participation by another entity and enter into an agreement with each provider or other entity under which the provider agrees to accept vouchers distributed by the Department under this Act as a form of payment for the provider's broadband Internet service or for devices used in connection to the Internet, including, but not limited to, computers, modems, and routers.

(b) In coordination with the covered agencies, the Department shall send information regarding the availability of financial assistance under this Act to each eligible family or person receiving the public assistance in Section (d). The information must include:

(1) the name and contact information of each provider who has entered into an agreement with the Department as described in subsection (a) whose broadband Internet service is available in their area; and

(2) instructions for applying to the Department for financial assistance under this Section.

(c) An individual who receives information under subsection (b) may apply for financial assistance under this Section in the manner specified by the Department. Upon receipt of an application, the Department shall determine:

(1) the applicant's eligibility for financial assistance;

(2) the amount of financial assistance for which the applicant is eligible; and

(3) whether the applicant is eligible for a single payment or a recurring payment of financial assistance, based on the Department's assessment of the applicant's need.

(d) An applicant for financial assistance under this Act is automatically eligible for financial assistance under this Act if:

(1) the applicant is receiving, or the applicant's household includes, an individual who is receiving benefits under:

(A) the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;

(B) the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or

(C) the Medicaid program; or

(2) the applicant's household includes a child who is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

(e) If the Department determines under subsection (c) that an individual is eligible for financial assistance, or that the individual is eligible for financial assistance under subsection (d), the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider or other entity designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers, each in an amount of up to $50, that can be used by the individual to pay one or more of the following expenses:

(1) fees charged by a broadband Internet provider for installation, activation, equipment purchase, Wi-Fi extenders, or other one-time expenses of providing broadband Internet service to the individual;

(2) monthly subscription fees charged by a broadband Internet provider for the provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household, including modem, router, or other service or equipment charges; and

(3) overdue amounts owed to provider, including administrative fees and penalties.

A voucher or similar designation of eligibility may be provided by the Department in printed or electronic form.

(f) A provider that receives a voucher under this Section from an individual household who subscribes to the provider's broadband Internet service shall deduct the amount of the voucher from the amount owed by the subscriber for the provider's provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household on a monthly basis.

(g) If the fund does not receive an ongoing appropriation from the General Assembly, the Department shall provide a 90-day notice to participating households and broadband Internet providers that financial support will be discontinued.

(Source: P.A. 102-648, eff. 8-27-21.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.