AB 174 Nevada Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Revises provisions relating to telecommunication providers. (BDR 58-128)

AB 174 modifies Nevada law to allow satellite-based voice service providers to count toward the requirement for "alternative voice service" when telecommunication companies seek relief from their "provider of last resort" obligations. This change directly affects telecom providers currently required to offer basic service in their territory; they can now apply to the Public Utilities Commission for relief if sufficient alternative providers (including satellite services) exist in the area. The bill removes a prior exclusion that prevented satellite voice services from being counted toward the required number of alternative providers (e.g., two satellite/wireless providers for relief eligibility). It does not create new costs for state or local governments, per the fiscal note. The policy change streamlines the process for telecom companies to exit last-resort obligations when market alternatives are present.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Assembly Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Feb 2, 2025 Signed May 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Enrolled · 4 edits · May 28, 2025
MODERATE
This bill removes a restriction that previously excluded satellite-based voice services from counting as 'alternative voice service.' Now, satellite providers can be counted toward the requirements needed for a last-resort telecommunication provider to apply for relief from their service obligations. This change expands the circumstances under which providers may seek relief and potentially affects competition in rural or underserved areas.
Scope change
The bill expands eligibility for relief from last-resort obligations by including satellite voice service providers in the count of alternative providers, whereas previously only wireline, wireless, or non-satellite technologies qualified.
ELIGIBILITY

Removed the exclusion of satellite-based retail voice service from the definition of 'alternative voice service,' allowing satellite providers to count toward the minimum number of alternative providers required for relief applications.

REQUIREMENT

Added detailed requirements for relief applications, including specific map details, notice drafting, customer notification procedures, and mandatory meetings with the Consumer's Advocate and public safety agencies.

TIMELINE

Established specific timelines for Commission review (180 days), applicant notice (30 days), and consumer session scheduling (120 days after application receipt).

FISCAL

Clarified that providers relieved of last-resort obligations cannot receive general fund money for maintaining service availability, except for lifeline service provisions.

Floor votes · Senate May 21, 2025 · Assembly Apr 17, 2025

How they voted

200
Passed
Total votes 20
May 21, 2025
D Democratic12
12 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican8
8 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
7
Committee
4
May 28, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor. Chapter 75.
executive
May 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
In Assembly. To enrollment.
lower
May 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 21, Nays: None.) To Assembly.
upper
May 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
From committee: Do pass.
upper
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Read third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 42, Nays: None.) To Senate.
lower
Mar 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
From committee: Without recommendation.
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
From committee: Do pass.
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Committee
Action of referral rescinded. Rereferred to Committee on Commerce and Labor. To committee.
lower
Feb 2, 2025
Introduced
Prefiled. Referred to Committee on Growth and Infrastructure. To printer.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Elaine Marzola
Elaine Marzola
DDemocratic
NV
21