Bill > S1994

This bill seeks to modify the definition of "franchise fee" in the Communications Act of 1934, specifically changing the language in Section 622(g)(1). The bill replaces the word "includes" with "means" and adds the phrase "other monetary" before the word "assessment" in the existing law. In practical terms, this modification appears to narrow or clarify the definition of franchise fees that can be charged in telecommunications and cable television agreements. Franchise fees are typically payments made by telecommunications companies to local governments for the right to use public property to install and operate their infrastructure. By changing the definition's wording, the bill may alter how these fees are calculated or interpreted, potentially impacting how local governments and telecommunications companies negotiate and structure their agreements. The modification could have implications for how community television services are funded or regulated, though the specific economic impact is not detailed in the bill text.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1994/all-info