Relating of maintenance of rates and expansion of funds for certain companies.

HB 3713 modifies Texas Utilities Code to maintain reasonable rates and expand the universal service fund for smaller telecommunications companies. It directly affects local exchange companies and cooperatives serving fewer than 31,000 phone lines, requiring the Public Utility Commission to implement mechanisms - either through modest rate adjustments or fund expansions - to replace revenue losses from federal policies, FCC orders, or other regulatory changes. The bill specifies that these mechanisms must not harm universal service access and prohibits support for companies exceeding 31,000 lines or those that opted into other programs by 2013. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter existing service obligations for consumers.