CA AB1826

Renames the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 to the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2024 and expands the Public Utilities Commission's authority to regulate video service franchises.

Establishes a state franchise fee of 5 percent of gross revenues (or the percentage applied to incumbent cable operators, whichever is less) that holders must remit quarterly to local entities for use of public rights-of-way.

Requires the commission to enforce customer service standards and allows local entities to impose penalties up to $750 per day per breach (maximum $2,000 per occurrence), with increased penalties for repeated violations.

Mandates at least one public hearing for new franchise applications and two public hearings for franchise renewals; sets 120-day timeline for commission decisions after determining applications complete.

Requires the commission to annually report to the Legislature on franchise administration activities, including service locations, customer service compliance, and unserved households in franchise service areas.