Today:  Illinois Governor Signs Two New Bills, FCC Seeks Comment on TracFone Emergency Petition Regarding the National Verifier 

FCC Seeks Comment on TracFone Emergency Petition Regarding the National Verifier

The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) is seeking comment on the Emergency Petition of TracFone Wireless, Inc. for an Order Directing USAC to Alter the Implementation of the National Verifier to Optimize the Automated and Manual Eligibility Verification Processes.  Specifically, TracFone is requesting that the FCC “direct USAC to expedite efforts to obtain access to key databases, or postpone including a state in a hard launch of the National Verifier until access to such key databases has been secured.”  In the alternative, TracFone is requesting that the FCC “direct USAC to accept documentation produced through third parties’ automated access to state databases as part of the Verifier’s manual process, including managed care organization (“MCO”) letterhead proof of Medicaid eligibility.”  Comments are due September 12, 2018 with reply comments due September 27, 2018. 

Illinois Governor Signs Two New Bills

The Governor of Illinois has signed a bill that amends the existing Illinois Code by making the  use of an electronic communication device (such as a cell phone) while driving a moving violation on the first offense.  Previously, the law required a second or subsequent offense to be considered punishable as a moving violation.  The Act takes effect July 1, 2019. 

The Governor also signed a bill creating a Broadband Advisory Council (BDAC).  The new law establishes the BDAC to explore ways to expand broadband access throughout the state, including unserved and underserved areas.  The law also provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Development must provide administrative, personnel, and technical support.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2019.

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 The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.

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