Sec. 55.004.  LOCAL EXCHANGE COMPANY RULE OR PRACTICE CHANGE.  (a)  To make a change in an incumbent local exchange company's tariffed rules or practices that does not affect the company's charges or rates, the company must file the proposed change with the commission at least 35 days before the effective date of the change.  The commission may require the incumbent local exchange company to provide to ratepayers appropriate notice as determined by the commission.
(b)  The commission, on complaint by an affected person or on its own motion and after reasonable notice, may hold a hearing to determine the propriety of a change proposed under this section.  Pending the hearing and decision, the commission may suspend the change for not longer than 120 days after the date the change would otherwise be effective.  The commission shall approve, deny, or modify the change before the period of suspension expires.
(c)  In a proceeding under this section, the incumbent local exchange company has the burden of proving the proposed change:
(1)  is in the public interest;  and
(2)  complies with this title.
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.