2015 -- H 5488

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LC000561

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS

     Introduced By: Representatives Chippendale, Serpa, Amore, Handy, and O'Brien

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2015

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-2 of the General Laws entitled "Duties of Utilities and Carriers"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     39-2-26. Services provided. – (a) Any public utility providing phone, cable television, or

broadband internet service to seventy-five percent (75%) of the eligible residents of any single

city or town shall make available said phone, cable television, or internet services to the

remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the city or town.

     (b) Any broadband service provider which provides internet service to any city or town

that is part of a school district that utilizes portable internet devices for student learning at home

and has broadband internet provided to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the eligible residents

of any single city or town, must provide broadband internet service for all residents of the city or

town.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC000561

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS

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     This act would require any public utility company providing services to seventy-five

percent (75%) of the residents of any city or town to also make available said services to the

remaining twenty-five percent (25%) including broadband internet and broadband internet for

certain school districts.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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