AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS FOR THE PURPOSES OF FEDERAL LIFELINE SERVICE BENEFITS.

SB 786 authorizes Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to designate eligible telecommunications carriers (including commercial radio or cellular providers and resellers) to participate in the federal Lifeline program. This program provides discounted phone and internet service to low-income households. The bill modifies state law to allow the Authority to formally select which companies can offer these federal benefits to qualifying residents. It does not create new benefits but streamlines the state's role in connecting eligible carriers to the existing federal program.