HB 520 - Idaho Video Service Act Summary

• Creates statewide video service certification system allowing providers to obtain certificates from Idaho Secretary of State instead of requiring local franchises from each city/county.

• Providers must submit applications demonstrating legal, financial, and technical qualifications; maintain liability insurance; and file with FCC; filing fee is $200 with $30 amendment fee.

• Certificate holders must begin service within 24 months and can use public rights-of-way subject to state law and local ordinances, with nondiscriminatory access guaranteed.

• Requires system operators to pay annual video service provider fees to political subdivisions equal to the percentage paid by incumbent cable providers or 5%, whichever is less, calculated as percentage of gross revenues from video service.

• System operators must designate PEG (public, educational, governmental) channels equal to those activated by incumbent providers on July 1, 2010, and comply with federal customer service standards in 47 CFR 76.309(c).