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GeorgiaHB 9982025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Public utilities; authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation

Sponsored By: Beth Camp (Republican), Chuck Efstration (Republican), Rick Jasperse (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Alan Powell (Republican), Al Williams (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

Energy, Utilities & TelecommunicationsEconomic Development and TourismGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Phone companies gain longer reimbursement eligibility

The law removes the former 20-year limit on a type of Universal Access Fund reimbursement for eligible Tier 2 phone companies. Companies can receive these payments beyond 20 years; other reimbursement requirements still apply. This change sets no new payment amount.

Phone companies face caps and reimbursement deadlines

Universal Access Fund payments for approved costs incurred on or after July 1, 2026 face a $50 million yearly cap. The commission must cut payments proportionally when approved totals exceed the cap. Costs incurred before July 1, 2026 remain outside the cap, even when paid later. Companies seeking covered reimbursements must document actual, reasonable service costs, including their and their parents’ latest unredacted audited financial reports and notes. The commission cannot make payments under the covered expense provision for costs incurred after December 31, 2040.

Phone companies gain choices with switching limits

Eligible Tier 2 local phone companies under alternative regulation get a one-time choice of rate-of-return regulation by August 1, 2026. They must certify that choice to the Georgia Public Service Commission and provide basic local service upon reasonable request. They cannot have direct or indirect ties to a provider serving more than 50,000 access lines nationwide. After choosing, they cannot return to alternative regulation before August 1, 2031. That switching limit does not apply to rate-of-return elections made before July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Beth Camp

    Republican • House

  • Chuck Efstration

    Republican • House

  • Rick Jasperse

    Republican • House

  • Rob Leverett

    Republican • House

  • Alan Powell

    Republican • House

  • Al Williams

    Democrat • House

Cosponsors

  • Max Burns

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 273 • No: 45

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 50 • No: 2 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

MOTION FOR THE PREVIOUS QUESTION

Yes: 31 • No: 20 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

SHALL THE RULING OF THE CHAIR BE SUSTAINED

Yes: 31 • No: 21 • Other: 4

House vote • 2/12/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 161 • No: 2 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  3. Act 636

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/6/2026House

  5. Senate Third Read

    3/18/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  7. Senate Read Second Time

    3/16/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read and Referred

    2/17/2026Senate

  10. House Third Readers

    2/12/2026House

  11. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    2/12/2026House

  12. House Committee Favorably Reported

    1/28/2026House

  13. House Second Readers

    1/27/2026House

  14. House First Readers

    1/16/2026House

  15. House Hopper

    1/15/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 998/AP* (v10)

    PDF

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