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ID H0032
Bill
AI Summary
Idaho Video Service Act (HB 32) Summary
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Creates a state-level franchising system for video service providers through certificates of franchise authority issued by the Idaho Secretary of State, effective July 1, 2011, allowing providers to use public rights-of-way without local franchise requirements.
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Requires video service providers to submit applications with $1,000 filing fee, demonstrate legal/financial/technical qualifications, maintain $500,000 liability insurance, and provide service to at least one household within 24 months or lose authorization.
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Establishes video service provider fees calculated as a percentage of gross revenues (not to exceed 5% or the rate paid by incumbent cable providers, whichever is less) payable quarterly to political subdivisions where service is provided.
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Prohibits discrimination by local governments in granting access to public rights-of-way and prevents denial of service to residential subscribers based on income; requires system operators to comply with federal customer service standards.
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Requires system operators to designate public, educational, and governmental (PEG) channels equal to those activated by incumbent providers, or up to 2 channels for cities over 50,000 population and 1 channel for smaller jurisdictions.
Legislative Description
Adds to existing law relating to the Idaho Video Service Act to provide for franchising authority; to provide for the use of public rights-of-way; to provide for modifications of existing franchise agreements; to provide for fees; to provide for a holder of certificate; to provide for provision of access to video service within a certain period; to provide for amendment of the certificate of franchise authority; to provided for suspension of authority for noncompliance with certain requirements; to provide for a video service provider fee; to provide for nondiscrimination by governmental entities relating to use of the public right-of-way; to prohibit discrimination among potential residential subscribers; to provide for customer service standards; to provide for the designation and use of channel capacity for public, educational or governmental use; and to provide for applicability of other law.
VIDEO SERVICE ACT
Last Action
to St Aff
1/24/2011