Bill > HR5170

This bill, known as the Cable Access for Broadband and Local Economic Leadership Act (CABLE Leadership Act), amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish clear timelines and requirements for cable franchise requests. Specifically, the bill mandates that franchising authorities (local government entities responsible for granting cable service licenses) must make a decision on a complete franchise request within 120 days. If no decision is made within that timeframe, the franchise request is automatically considered granted. The bill also defines what constitutes a "complete" request, requiring that the requesting party has taken the first procedural step and not received a written notice within 30 days identifying missing information. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any denial of a franchise request must be in writing, supported by substantial evidence, and publicly released on the same day the decision is made. The legislation aims to streamline the franchise approval process, reduce bureaucratic delays, and provide more clarity and transparency for cable service providers seeking to operate in a local jurisdiction.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5170/all-info