WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 701

Utilities, Utility Districts - As introduced, removes the requirement that each year the Tennessee public utility commission submit to the general assembly a report describing the competitive nature of the telecommunications market in this state. - Amends TCA Title 65, Chapter 1 and Title 65, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Burkhart and 1 co-sponsor

Removes Tennessee's annual Public Utility Commission requirement to report telecommunications market competition conditions to the legislature, reducing market oversight.

Sponsor change.
#utilities #utilitydistricts
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 701

Legislative bill overview

HB 701 eliminates an annual reporting requirement that mandates the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (PUC) submit a report to the state legislature detailing the competitive conditions of the telecommunications market. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections governing utilities and utility districts by removing this specific PUC accountability measure.

Why is this important

This removal reduces legislative oversight of telecommunications market competition, which is traditionally monitored to protect consumer interests and identify anti-competitive behavior. The annual report has served as an information tool for policymakers to assess whether the telecom market remains adequately competitive and whether regulatory intervention might be needed.

Potential points of contention

  • Loss of market transparency: Eliminating the report removes a regular, formal assessment of telecommunications competition that legislators and the public have relied on for market health monitoring
  • Reduced regulatory accountability: The PUC would no longer have a statutory obligation to regularly evaluate and report on competitive dynamics, potentially weakening oversight mechanisms
  • Impact on consumer protection: Without annual competitive analysis reports, lawmakers may lack key data needed to identify market failures, monopolistic practices, or gaps in service coverage that warrant legislative action

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

Sign in to ask a question.