HI HB2595

Removes the requirement that the director of commerce and consumer affairs consider the present, planned, and potential expansion of existing cable systems when determining service areas for new cable franchises.

Requires cable operators to make cable service available to residences in areas with a minimum density of at least 25 homes per linear mile of their distribution plant.

Exempts cable operators from the service availability requirement in areas where service is already available from at least one other cable operator or multichannel video programming distributor using public right-of-way infrastructure.

Allows cable operators to retain business discretion to voluntarily serve any residence within their service area regardless of density requirements.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.