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SB 5600

Removing the expiration date for the state universal communications services program.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 4 co-sponsors

Keeps the State USC Program alive by removing/extending its sunset, funding up to $5M/year plus carryover for small rural providers under UTC oversight.

Senate Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · SB 5600

SB 5600 — Summary (State Universal Communications Services Program)

Status: Senate Rules “X” file (most recent actions in 2024–2025).
Introduced: Jan 30, 2025 (bill number has prior versions in 2023–2024).
Primary subject: Removing or extending the expiration date for the State Universal Communications Services Program (USC Program)

Purpose / Intent

The bill would preserve continued state support for small, incumbent communications providers and for rural broadband deployment by removing (or—in several amended versions—extending) the statutory sunset date that otherwise would terminate the State Universal Communications Services Program. The program exists to protect public safety and welfare by supporting basic telecommunications and broadband availability in areas not served by larger carriers.

Key provisions

  • Program continuation: The bill removes the USC Program’s scheduled expiration (original text sought full removal; alternate substitutes extended the termination date — e.g., by ten years to June 30, 2034 or set other multi-year sunsets in later amendments). House and Senate substitutes differ; some amendments add a July 1, 2035 expiration for specific code sections.
  • Funding cap and carryover: Program expenditures are capped at $5,000,000 per fiscal year. Any unspent funds in a fiscal year carry forward and are available in subsequent years in addition to the annual $5,000,000 allotment.
  • Eligibility for distributions:
    • Incumbent local exchange carriers with fewer than 40,000 access lines in Washington, or radio communications companies with the equivalent of fewer than 40,000 lines.
    • Providers must adopt a plan to provide, enhance, and (in some amended language) maintain broadband in their service area.
    • Non-incumbent providers may qualify if they demonstrate they can provide same/comparable services at similar quality for a lower price and submit to UTC regulation like an incumbent for the affected exchange(s).
  • Administration and oversight:
    • The Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) administers the program, adopts distribution criteria, and may pro rata reduce distributions if funds are insufficient.
    • The UTC must periodically review accounts/records of recipients to ensure compliance.
    • In amended versions, UTC is required to review program implementation rules at least every five years.
  • Funding source: Program is funded from amounts the Legislature deposits into the Universal Communications Services Account; UTC must operate within amounts appropriated.
  • Other statutory edits: The bill amends several RCW sections (80.36.630–.690) and, in some versions, repeals RCW 80.36.700.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: small incumbent telephone companies and small wireless two-way providers (those under the 40,000-line threshold) that serve rural or small exchanges and that carry “carrier of last resort” obligations.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: rural residents and businesses that rely on basic telephony and broadband services.
  • Regulators: UTC gains continued program administration and periodic-review responsibilities.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Multiple versions across 2023–2025: original 2023 bill sought to remove the sunset; substitute/amended versions proposed multi-year extensions (e.g., to 2034 or 2035) or other technical changes. The bill passed the House in 2023 as amended; subsequent Senate committee work produced additional substitutes.
  • Fiscal: No appropriation directly required; funding depends on legislative deposits to the program account. A fiscal note is available.
  • Effective date: Several companion reports indicate the bill would take effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which passed (standard language in reported versions).

Practical impact

Maintains a dedicated, modest state support mechanism (up to $5M/year plus carryover) to help smaller providers sustain basic telephony and invest in broadband upgrades in areas unattractive to larger carriers. The program includes UTC oversight to protect accountability; extending or removing the sunset prevents abrupt loss of this support and aids long‑term broadband deployment planning in rural communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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