For Immediate Release:
April 19, 2004
Legislative Leaders Announce Plans For Interim
Study on Telecommunications Deregulation
Senate President Pro Tempore Cal
Hobson and House Speaker Larry
Adair Monday announced plans to study the issue of deregulation
of telecommunications in the coming legislative interim.
The announcement effectively shelves Senate Bill 1119 in
this Legislature.
“This is one of the most complex business issues that
we’ve ever considered. And it doesn’t just affect
dozens of companies – both large and small -- but
every Oklahoman. Before we make a dramatic change in state
law, we owe it to the rate payers of this state to make
sure we totally understand what is at stake for both the
companies that offer telephone services and the people who
pay phone bills,” said Hobson, D-Lexington.
“There has been much work done on this issue, however
there are still many questions left unanswered,” said
Adair, D-Stilwell. “With little time remaining in
the legislative session the best course of action is to
send this measure to a committee that will work to satisfy
everyone’s concerns.”
The deregulation of telephone service in Oklahoma is the
subject of Senate Bill 1119, which would amend the Oklahoma
Telecommunications Act of 1997. Both the title and the enacting
clause on the legislation have been stricken and the bill
is destined for a joint House-Senate conference committee.
Hobson and Adair said their announcement means the bill
won’t emerge from conference this year.
For
more information contact:
President
Pro Tempore's Office - (405) 521-5605
