Bill > HR4927

This bill, known as the "CABLE Competition Act," amends the Communications Act of 1934 to significantly change how cable system franchises can be transferred or sold. Specifically, the bill prohibits franchising authorities (local government entities that grant cable service licenses) from blocking the transfer of a cable franchise to a new owner, as long as the new owner agrees to accept all existing franchise terms. The bill allows franchising authorities to only require a 15-day written notification before a franchise transfer, which can occur through various means such as mergers, sales, assignments, restructuring, or transfer of control. The bill ensures that if a franchise is revoked and the franchising authority acquires or transfers ownership of the cable system, it must be done at fair market value. These provisions are designed to make it easier for cable operators to sell or transfer their franchises by removing potential bureaucratic barriers, and the changes will apply to both new and existing franchises, taking effect six months after the bill's enactment.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4927/all-info