What
does Bill 765 do?
SB 765 (Chapter 699, Oregon Laws 2001) creates a statewide
telecommunications council of stakeholders. This council
is responsible for enhancing the coordination of local,
regional, and state telecommunication plans to accelerate
the development of advanced telecommunication services to
the entire state of Oregon. The council, known as the Oregon
Telecommunications Coordinating Council (ORTCC), will provide
recommendations that will be used by the Governor, the Legislature,
state agencies, local and regional governments, and the
private sector to allocate limited telecommunication resources
in the most strategic and cost-effective manner to serve
all Oregonians.
Who
will be involved?
The ORTCC is comprised of 12 members that represent broad
telecommunications interest groups including business and
industry, telecommunications providers, state and local
government, education, and health care organizations, as
well as other interest groups. The ORTCC is authorized to
add members to represent telecommunications consortia established
after the effective date of the Act.
What
is the purpose of this council?
It provides a coordinated approach to telecommunication
investments by giving the ORTCC authority to facilitate,
through its recommendations, greater public/private partnerships
and stronger state/local government partnerships in the
delivery of a 21st century telecommunications system for
the state of Oregon, including the currently unserved and
underserved areas of the state.
How
is the council funded?
The Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD),
the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), and the
Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) will provide staff
and support services to the ORTCC. Members of the ORTCC
serve on the council on a volunteer basis and are not entitled
to compensation and expenses from the State of Oregon. It
is anticipated that the participating consortia and organizations
will pay the expenses of their respective members.
What
problem does this Bill fix?
It fills a void in the current statewide strategy for maximizing
telecommunication investments in each community. County
officials desire to work cooperatively with the Governor,
the Legislature, and state agencies to maximize the cost
effectiveness of Oregon's investments in telecommunications
infrastructure for voice, video, and data communications.
Officials also want to ensure this infrastructure is used
in a well-coordinated manner to enhance Oregon's economic
health and livability. This is why county officials want
to strengthen their partnerships with DAs, OECDD, Oregon
Public Utility Commission, Department of Education, the
university system, community colleges, Regional Telecommunications
Consortia, and other interested state and local government
agencies to leverage limited funds and develop a statewide
system that will better serve Oregonians in the 21st century.
House
Bill 2577
Oregon Laws 2003, Chapter 775
HB2577
extends the life of the Oregon Telecommunications Coordinating
Council for two years and establishes policy on access to
broadband services. It directs Public Utility Commission
to include number of public bodies providing basic telecommunications
infrastructure in annual report. It modifies the name, membership
and duties of Oregon Telecommunications Coordinating Council,
directs the council to collaborate with health care education
providers and members of health care industry to develop
and implement plan relating to distance learning and requires
the council to report on the plan to interim committees
and the Legislative Assembly.
B-Engrossed
HB2577
Oregon
Laws 2003, Chapter 775 may be can be viewed as a 
PDF file*.
Senate Bill 15
Oregon Laws 2005, Chapter 350
SB15 extends the life of the Oregon Telecommunications
Coordinating Council (ORTCC) to January 2, 2010, allows
for the reimbursement of Council member expenses if funds
become available, stipulates that any funds contributed
to the Council shall be deposited in the General Fund of
the State Treasury to the credit of separate accounts for
the council, and requires that the Council submit reports
to the Legislative Assembly.
Enrolled
Senate Bill 15
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