AN ACT CONCERNING THE DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR PURPOSES OF THE FEDERAL LIFELINE SERVICE BENEFITS.

HB 5338 clarifies Connecticut's process for designating which telecommunications service providers can offer federal Lifeline benefits to eligible low-income households, individuals with disabilities (including those hard of hearing or speech impaired), and people in rural areas. It requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to determine which providers qualify to participate in the program and which customers meet eligibility criteria, based on factors like provider revenue in Connecticut. The bill ensures funding for Lifeline services - covering basic phone and internet access - comes from a fair share of telecommunications providers' gross revenues generated within the state. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, streamlining how Connecticut administers the federal program without altering benefit levels or eligibility rules.