NEWSReport No. DC 96-84 ACTION IN DOCKET CASE September 6, 1996 COMMISSION ADOPTS PROPOSALS TO IMPLEMENT TARIFF STREAMLINING PROVISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 (CC DOCKET NO. 96-187) The Commission today released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on proposals to implement streamlined tariff filing requirements for local exchange carriers (LECs). The Commission's proposals would permit LECs to file tariffs electronically. Section 402 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act) permits LECs to file tariffs on a streamlined basis. The 1996 Act provides that, absent Commission action, a tariff reflecting a reduction in rates would become effective in seven days and a tariff reflecting an increase in rates would become effective in fifteen days. Section 402 of the 1996 Act also provides that LEC tariffs filed on a streamlined basis shall be "deemed lawful." In the NPRM released today, the Commission seeks comment on the interpretation of "deemed lawful." In addition, the Commission seeks comment on the types of tariffs eligible for filing on a streamlined basis and measures to streamline the Commission's administration of LEC tariff filings. Action by the Commission August 30, 1996, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 96-367). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness, and Chong. -FCC- News Media contact: Mindy Ginsburg at (202) 418-1500. Common Carrier Bureau contact: Dan Abeyta at (202) 418-1538