HB 3148
Makes permanent the plan of assistance for low-income customers for telecommunication services.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill makes permanent the Oregon Lifeline plan, which provides assistance to low-income Oregonians for telecommunication services. It expands the plan by adding a one-time benefit for purchasing a personal computing device, such as a computer or tablet. The bill also modifies the Public Utility Commission’s role, allowing it to use surcharge revenue for marketing and outreach to increase participation in the plan and repeals the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program Advisory Committee. An emergency declaration means the bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Key provisions
- Makes the Oregon Lifeline plan permanent.
- Adds a one-time benefit for purchasing a personal computing device (computer or tablet).
- Allows the Public Utility Commission to use surcharge revenue for marketing and outreach.
- Repeals the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program Advisory Committee.
- Directs the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules related to the plan by March 1, 2026.
- Authorizes the Public Utility Commission to contract with third parties to assist in providing the computing device benefit.
- Amends ORS 317A.100 to clarify definitions related to commercial activity and unitary businesses.
- Establishes a funding limit of $25,877,295 for the Residential Service Protection Fund.
Who is affected
- Low-income Oregonians
- Public Utility Commission
- Telecommunications providers
- Consumers of telecommunication services
- Residents of Oregon
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The supporters of House Bill 3148 emphasize the need for a modern, sustainable broadband ecosystem in Oregon to enable remote learning, telehealth, and innovation. They highlight the primary obstacles to achieving universal broadband service as high internet costs and access device prices, which disproportionately affect low-income households and rural communities. The proposed legislation aims to address these gaps by expanding affordable broadband access, increasing state subsidies, and providing device assistance, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations such as those in Multnomah County and rural Oregonians who struggle to access employment opportunities and conduct everyday business due to limited infrastructure and lack of affordable devices.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Some that HB 3148 is discriminatory and unfairly favors certain groups, citing concerns that it would provide benefits to undocumented immigrants. They contend that the bill's provisions are overly broad and would lead to unintended consequences, including increased costs and administrative burdens. Additionally, some opponents believe that the bill's language is ambiguous and open to interpretation, which could result in unequal treatment of different groups.
Source: Testimony Summaries