relative to permitting the public utilities commission to approve new providers for the Lifeline program.

HB 627 allows the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to directly approve new companies to provide Lifeline program services in the state, without requiring separate legislative action. This affects low-income households eligible for Lifeline, which helps cover phone and internet costs, by expanding their choices for service providers. The key provision streamlines the process: the PUC can now review and approve new providers based on established criteria, rather than needing a new bill for each addition. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, and takes effect September 5, 2025.