Georgia HB998: Public utilities; authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation

What the bill says

To amend Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to telecommunications and competition development, so as to authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation; to repeal a limitation on the period of time certain distributions can be made from the Universal Access Fund; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to telecommunications and competition development, so as to authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation; to repeal a limitation on the period of time certain distributions can be made from the Universal Access Fund; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to telecommunications and competition development, is amended by revising Code Section 46-5-165, relating to alternative regulation of rates, terms, and conditions, as follows: "46-5-165. (a) Any Tier 1 local exchange company may elect to have its rates, terms, and conditions for its services determined pursuant to the alternative regulation described in this article, in lieu of other forms of regulation, including, but not limited to, rate of return or rate base monitoring or regulation, upon the filing of notice with the commission and committing to H. B. LC 56 0458 provide basic local exchange services upon reasonable request and to invest $500 million per year for five years to improve and strengthen telecommunications …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Burns, Max (R, 23) · primary sponsor
• Rob Leverett (R, 123) · primary sponsor
• Beth Camp (R, 135)
• Alan Powell (R, 33)
• Rick Jasperse (R, 11)
• Al Williams (D, 168)
• Chuck Efstration (R, 104)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Effective Date
2. May 12, 2026: Act 636
3. May 12, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 6, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 18, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
6. March 18, 2026: Senate Third Read
7. March 16, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
8. March 12, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
9. February 17, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
10. February 12, 2026: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

Votes

• Senate Vote #732 (March 18, 2026): 50 yea, 2 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #731 (March 18, 2026): 31 yea, 20 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #730 (March 18, 2026): 31 yea, 21 nay, passed
• House Vote #508 (February 12, 2026): 161 yea, 2 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB998?

HB998 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Public utilities; authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation.

What does HB998 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to telecommunications and competition development, so as to authorize certain Tier 2 local exchange companies to elect to become subject to rate of return regulation; to repeal a limitation on the period of time certain distributions can be made from the Universal Access Fund; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB998?

Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB998?

Burns, Max (R, 23), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB998?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72277