Bill > HB1664

This bill, known as the Mississippi Video Service Act, establishes a new framework for video service providers operating in the state, requiring them to obtain a "certificate of franchise authority" from the Secretary of State to provide video service, which is defined as delivering video programming comparable to traditional broadcast or cable television, primarily using facilities located in public rights-of-way. The act outlines definitions for key terms like "video service provider," "political subdivision" (cities and counties), and "public rights-of-way" (streets, sidewalks, etc.), and sets forth requirements for obtaining and maintaining this certificate, including application procedures, insurance, and a filing fee of $1,500. It also addresses the use of public rights-of-way, allowing providers to install facilities but holding them liable for damages, and mandates that providers pay a "video service provider fee" to political subdivisions, calculated as a percentage of their gross revenue, with a cap of 5% or the rate paid by incumbent providers, whichever is lower. Furthermore, the bill includes customer service standards, requiring providers to maintain customer service numbers, implement complaint resolution processes, and provide advance notice of rate or programming changes, and mandates the designation of channel capacity for public, educational, or governmental access (PEG) channels. The act aims to be consistent with federal law, specifically the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, and clarifies that it does not supersede existing telecommunications regulations or require telephone companies to obtain video service certificates.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1664.xml