MN SF4303

Repeals requirements for franchising authorities to publish notice in newspapers for two successive weeks when considering cable franchise applications, eliminating mandatory public notice procedures including hearing dates, evaluation criteria, and contact information

Removes the requirement that franchising authorities mail notice of intent to franchise to potential candidates and the 20-day minimum waiting period between notice publication and application deadline

Amends the definition of "cable communications system" to change "programs broadcast by one or more television or radio stations and other programs" to "or other programs," a technical language clarification

Changes terminology throughout from "franchising proposal" to "franchising application" and adds "as applicable" qualifier to required application contents

Retains existing requirements for franchise applications to include channel capacity plans, system design descriptions, rate schedules, construction timelines, financing plans, and ownership disclosures