CA AB2748

Renames the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 as the Digital Equity in Video Franchising Act of 2022 and makes substantial revisions to the state video franchising framework administered by the Public Utilities Commission.

Requires franchise applicants to submit descriptions of unserved households in their proposed service area footprint and include socioeconomic status information of residents, establishing state policy that subscribers should receive equal access to video service regardless of income.

Revises the definition of "gross revenue" for calculating franchise fees to local jurisdictions, setting the state franchise fee at 5 percent of gross revenues (or the percentage applied to the incumbent cable operator, whichever is less) to maintain existing local revenues.

Prohibits cable operators and video service providers from denying equal access to service based on residents' income and removes the previous cap on fines for violations, allowing the state franchising authority to impose fines and enabling courts to suspend or revoke franchises for violations.

Grants the Public Advocate's Office of the Public Utilities Commission authority to advocate on behalf of video subscribers regarding franchise renewals and enforcement of equal access and consumer protection provisions.