summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create New Section 77-21-1, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Create The Mississippi Video Service Act; To Create New Section 77-21-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Define Terms; To Create New Section 77-21-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide For Franchising Authority And Application For Certificate Of Franchise Authority; To Provide For Modification Of Service Areas; To Prescribe Term Length Of A Certificate Of Franchise Authority; To Provide For Termination Of A Certificate Of Franchise Authority; To Create New Section 77-21-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Create Fees For A Certificate Of Franchise Authority; To Create New Section 77-21-9, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize Holders Of Certificates Of Franchise Authority To Use Public Rights-of-way; To Prescribe A Video Service Provider Fee; To Provide For Payment Of Such Fee; To Stipulate That The Video Service Provider Fee Is A Percentage Of Gross Revenue Determined By A Political Subdivision; To Provide For Establishing, Increasing Or Lowering A Video Service Provider Fee; To Authorize A Political Subdivision To Conduct Audits Of Video Service Providers To Ensure Proper And Accurate Payment; To Require Video Service Providers To Keep Business Records Showing Gross Revenue; To Provide For Annexation Of Lands; To Create New Section, 77-21-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Prohibit Certain Activities And Provide Remedies For Noncompliance; To Create New Section 77-21-15, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Establish Customer Service Standards; To Create New Section 77-21-17, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide For Designation And Use Of Channel Capacity For Public, Educational Or Governmental Use; To Create New Section 77-21-19, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide For The Applicability Of Other Laws; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "Mississippi Video Service Act" to regulate video service providers in the state, defining key terms like "video service" (delivery of video programming comparable to traditional TV, primarily through the provider's own facilities in public rights-of-way) and "certificate of franchise authority" (a state-issued permit). It outlines a process for video service providers to obtain this certificate from the Secretary of State, requiring them to meet certain qualifications, including insurance. The act allows these providers to use public rights-of-way for their facilities but also mandates they pay a "video service provider fee" to political subdivisions (cities and counties), which is a percentage of their gross revenue, capped at 5% and determined by the local government, with provisions for audits to ensure accurate payment. Additionally, the bill sets customer service standards, requires providers to allocate channel capacity for public, educational, or governmental use (PEG channels), and clarifies that this act is intended to be consistent with federal law while not preventing negotiated franchise agreements or limiting existing telecommunications regulations.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2781.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2700-2799/SB2781IN.htm |
Loading...