AB207: Bill Text

AB207,26,3 (e) Actions to enforce payment. 1. A municipality or a video service provider may not bring an action concerning the amount of a video service provider fee allegedly due to the municipality unless the parties have first participated in and completed good faith settlement discussions. For purposes of any future litigation, all negotiations pursuant to this paragraph shall be treated as compromise negotiations under s. 904.08.

AB207,26,9 2. An action regarding a dispute over the amount of a video service provider fee paid or allegedly due under this subsection shall be commenced within 3 years following the end of the calendar quarter to which the disputed amount relates or be barred, unless the parties agree in writing to an extension of time. Notwithstanding ss. 814.01, 814.02, 814.03, and 814.035, no costs may be allowed in the action to either party.

AB207,26,11 (f) Itemization. A video service provider may identify and collect the amount related to a video service provider fee as a separate line item on customer bills.

AB207,26,16 (g) Invalidity of other fees. If a video service provider pays video service provider fees to a municipality as required under this subsection, the municipality may not require the video service provider to pay any compensation under s. 66.0425, or any permit fee, encroachment fee, degradation fee, or any other fee, for the occupation of or work within public rights-of-way.

AB207,26,20 (8) Discrimination; access to services. (a) Discrimination prohibited. 1. No video service provider may deny access to video service to any group of potential residential customers in the video service provider's video franchise area because of the race or income of the residents in the local area in which the group resides.

AB207,26,22 2. It is a defense to an alleged violation of subd. 1. based on income if the video service provider has met either of the following conditions:

AB207,26,25 a. No later than 3 years after the date on which the video service provider began providing video service under this section, at least 25 percent of households with access to the video service provider's video service are low-income households.

AB207,27,3 b. No later than 5 years after the date on which the video service provider began providing video service under this section, at least 30 percent of the households with access to the video service provider's video service are low-income households.

AB207,27,6 (b) Access. 1. A large telecommunications video service provider shall provide access to its video service to the following percentages of households within the large telecommunications video service provider's basic local exchange service area:

AB207,27,9 a. Not less than 25 percent no later than 3 years after the date on which the large telecommunications video service provider began providing video service under this section.

AB207,27,14 b. Not less than 50 percent no later than 6 years after the date on which the large telecommunications video service provider began providing video service under this section, or no later than 2 years after at least 30 percent of households with access to the large telecommunications video service provider's video service subscribe to the service for 6 consecutive months, whichever occurs later.

AB207,27,17 2. A large telecommunications video service provider shall file an annual report with the department regarding the large telecommunications video service provider's progress in complying with subd. 1.

AB207,27,24 (c) Extensions and waivers. A video service provider may apply to the department for an extension of any time limit specified in par. (a) 2. or (b) or a waiver of a requirement to comply with par. (b). The department shall grant the extension or waiver if the video service provider demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that the video service provider has made substantial and continuous efforts to comply with the requirements of this subsection and that the extension or waiver is necessary due to one or more of the following factors:

AB207,28,2 1. The video service provider's inability to obtain access to public and private rights-of-way under reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207,28,4 2. Developments and buildings that are not subject to competition because of exclusive service arrangements.

AB207,28,6 3. Developments and buildings that are not accessible using reasonable technical solutions under commercially reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207,28,7 4. Natural disasters.

AB207,28,8 5. Other factors beyond the control of the video service provider.

AB207,28,11 (d) Alternative technologies. A video service provider may satisfy the requirements of this subsection through the use of an alternative technology, other than satellite service, that does all of the following:

AB207,28,14 1. Offers service, functionality, and content demonstrably similar to the service, functionality, and content provided through the video service provider's video service network.

AB207,28,16 2. Provides access to PEG channels and messages broadcast over the emergency alert system.

AB207,28,22 (e) Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a telecommunications video service provider is not required to provide video service outside the provider's basic local exchange service area, and a video service provider that is an incumbent cable operator is not required to provide video service outside the area in which the incumbent cable operator provided cable service at the time the department issued a video service franchise to the incumbent cable operator.

AB207,29,3 (9) Customer service standards. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), upon 90 days' advance notice, a municipality may require a video service provider to comply with the customer service standards specified in 47 CFR 76.309 (c) in its provision of video service. Neither the department nor any municipality shall have the authority to impose additional or different customer service standards that are specific to the provision of video service.

AB207,29,10 (b) No video service provider that provides video service in a municipality may be subject to any customer service standards if there is at least one other person offering cable or video service in the municipality or if the video service provider is subject to effective competition, as determined under 47 CFR 76.905, in the municipality. This paragraph does not apply to any customer service standards promulgated by rule by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

AB207,29,19 (10) Limitation on rate regulation. The department or a municipality may not regulate the rates charged for any video service by an interim cable operator or video service provider that provides video service in a municipality if at least one other interim cable operator or video service provider is providing video service in the municipality and the other interim cable operator or video service provider is not an affiliate of the interim cable operator or video service provider. This subsection applies regardless of whether any affected interim cable operator or video service provider has sought a determination from the FCC regarding effective competition under 47 CFR 76.905.

AB207,30,5 (11) Transfer of video service franchise. A person who is issued a video service franchise may transfer the video service franchise to any successor-in-interest, including a successor-in-interest that arises through merger, sale, assignment, restructuring, change of control, or any other transaction. No later than 10 days after the transfer is completed, the person originally issued the video service franchise shall provide notice of the transfer to the department and to any municipality in which the person has provided video service, and the person to whom the video service franchise is transferred shall submit the information and affidavit specified in sub. (3) (d) 1. and 4. to the department and to any such municipality. Neither the department nor any municipality shall have any authority to review or approve the transfer.

AB207,30,8 (13) Rule-making; enforcement. (a) Notwithstanding s. 227.11, the department may not promulgate rules interpreting or establishing procedures for this section.

AB207,30,15 (b) Except as provided in sub. (7) (e), a municipality, interim cable operator, or video service provider that is affected by a failure to comply with this section may bring an action to enforce this section. If a court finds that a municipality, interim cable operator, or video service provider has not complied with this section, the court shall order the municipality, interim cable operator, or video service provider to comply with this section. Notwithstanding ss. 814.01, 814.02, 814.03, and 814.035, no costs may be allowed in an action under this paragraph to any party.

AB207,30,17 (c) Any violation of this section may be enforced by an action on behalf of the state by the department of justice.

AB207, s. 8 Section 8. 66.0421 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,30,19 66.0421 (title) Access to cable video service.

AB207, s. 9 Section 9. 66.0421 (1) (a) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207, s. 10 Section 10. 66.0421 (1) (b) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207, s. 11 Section 11. 66.0421 (1) (c) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207,30,23 66.0421 (1) (c) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207, s. 12 Section 12. 66.0421 (1) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207,31,2 66.0421 (1) (d) "Video service provider" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (zg), and also includes an interim cable operator, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (n).

AB207, s. 13 Section 13. 66.0421 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,31,11 66.0421 (2) Interference prohibited. The owner or manager of a multiunit dwelling under common ownership, control or management or of a mobile home park or the association or board of directors of a condominium may not prevent a cable operator video service provider from providing cable video service to a subscriber who is a resident of the multiunit dwelling, mobile home park or of the condominium or interfere with a cable operator video service provider providing cable video service to a subscriber who is a resident of the multiunit dwelling, mobile home park or of the condominium.

AB207, s. 14 Section 14. 66.0421 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,31,22 66.0421 (3) Installation in multiunit building. Before installation, a cable operator video service provider shall consult with the owner or manager of a multiunit dwelling or with the association or board of directors of a condominium to establish the points of attachment to the building and the methods of wiring. A cable operator video service provider shall install facilities to provide cable video service in a safe and orderly manner and in a manner designed to minimize adverse effects to the aesthetics of the multiunit dwelling or condominium. Facilities installed to provide cable video service may not impair public safety, damage fire protection systems or impair fire-resistive construction or components of a multiunit dwelling or condominium.

AB207, s. 15 Section 15. 66.0421 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,32,3 66.0421 (4) Repair responsibility. A cable operator video service provider is responsible for any repairs to a building required because of the construction, installation, disconnection or servicing of facilities to provide cable video service.

AB207, s. 16 Section 16. 66.0422 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,32,6 66.0422 (title) Cable television Video service, telecommunications, and broadband facilities.

AB207, s. 17 Section 17. 66.0422 (1) (a) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207, s. 18 Section 18. 66.0422 (1) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207,32,9 66.0422 (1) (d) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207, s. 19 Section 19. 66.0422 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,32,15 66.0422 (2) (intro.) Except as provided in subs. (3), (3d), (3m), and (3n), no local government may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution authorizing the local government to construct, own, or operate any facility for providing cable video service, telecommunications service, or broadband service, directly or indirectly, to the public, unless all of the following are satisfied:

AB207, s. 20 Section 20. 66.0422 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,32,23 66.0422 (3) (b) A majority of the governing board of the local government votes to submit the question of supporting the operation of the facility for providing cable video service, telecommunications service, or Internet access service, directly or indirectly to the public, by the local government to the electors in an advisory referendum and a majority of the voters in the local government voting at the advisory referendum vote to support operation of such a facility by the local government.

AB207, s. 21 Section 21. 66.0422 (3n) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,33,2 66.0422 (3n) Subsection (2) does not apply to a local government that, on March 1, 2004, was providing cable video service to the public.

AB207, s. 22 Section 22. 70.111 (25) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,33,6 70.111 (25) Digital broadcasting equipment. Digital broadcasting equipment owned and used by a radio station, television station, or cable television system video service network, as defined in s. 66.0419 (2) (d) 66.0420 (2) (zb).

AB207, s. 23 Section 23. 76.80 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,33,12 76.80 (3) "Telecommunications services" means the transmission of voice, video, facsimile or data messages, including telegraph messages, except that "telecommunications services" does not include cable television video service, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (y), radio, one-way radio paging or transmitting messages incidental to transient occupancy in hotels, as defined in s. 254.61 (3).

AB207, s. 24 Section 24. 77.52 (2) (a) 12. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,33,15 77.52 (2) (a) 12. The sale of cable television system services, or video services, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (y), including installation charges.

AB207, s. 25 Section 25. 100.195 (1) (c) 2. of the statutes, as created by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is amended to read:

AB207,33,18 100.195 (1) (c) 2. Telecommunications services or cable television services.

AB207, s. 26 Section 26. 100.195 (1) (h) 1. of the statutes, as created by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is repealed and recreated to read:

AB207,33,21 100.195 (1) (h) 1. Video service, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207, s. 27 Section 27. 100.209 of the statutes is repealed.

AB207, s. 28 Section 28. 165.25 (4) (ar) of the statutes, as affected by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is amended to read:

AB207,34,6 165.25 (4) (ar) The department of justice shall furnish all legal services required by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection relating to the enforcement of ss. 100.171, 100.173, 100.174, 100.175, 100.177, 100.18, 100.182, 100.20, 100.205, 100.207, 100.209, 100.21, 100.28, 100.37, 100.42, 100.50, 100.51, and 100.195 and chs. 126, 136, 344, 704, 707, and 779, together with any other services as are necessarily connected to the legal services.

AB207, s. 29 Section 29. 196.01 (1g) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,34,16 196.01 (1g) "Basic local exchange service" means the provision to residential customers of an access facility, whether by wire, cable, fiber optics or radio, and essential usage within a local calling area for the transmission of high-quality 2-way interactive switched voice or data communication. "Basic local exchange service" includes extended community calling and extended area service. "Basic local exchange service" does not include additional access facilities or any discretionary or optional services that may be provided to a residential customer. "Basic local exchange service" does not include cable television service or services provided by a commercial mobile radio service provider.

AB207, s. 30 Section 30. 196.01 (1p) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

AB207,34,18 196.01 (1p) "Cable service" has the meaning given in 47 USC 522 (6).

AB207, s. 31 Section 31. 196.01 (9m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,34,25 196.01 (9m) "Telecommunications service" means the offering for sale of the conveyance of voice, data or other information at any frequency over any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the sale of service for collection, storage, forwarding, switching and delivery incidental to such communication and including the regulated sale of customer premises equipment. "Telecommunications service" does not include cable television service or broadcast service.

AB207, s. 32 Section 32. 196.01 (12g) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207,35,2 196.01 (12g) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207, s. 33 Section 33. 196.01 (12r) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207,35,5 196.01 (12r) "Video service provider" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (zg), and also includes an interim cable operator, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (n).

AB207, s. 34 Section 34. 196.04 (4) (a) (intro.) and 2. (intro.) of the statutes are consolidated, renumbered 196.04 (4) (a) (intro.) and amended to read:

AB207,35,9 196.04 (4) (a) (intro.) In this subsection: 2. "Sewerage, "sewerage system operator" means any of the following:

AB207, s. 35 Section 35. 196.04 (4) (a) 1. of the statutes is repealed.

AB207, s. 36 Section 36. 196.04 (4) (a) 2. a. to e. of the statutes are renumbered 196.04 (4) (a) 1. to 5.

AB207, s. 37 Section 37. 196.04 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,36,3 196.04 (4) (b) If the parties cannot agree and the commission finds that public convenience and necessity or the rendition of reasonably adequate service to the public requires that a public utility, telecommunications provider, sewerage system operator, or cable operator video service provider be permitted to extend its lines on, over or under the right-of-way of any railroad, or requires that the tracks of any railroad be extended on, over or under the right-of-way of any public utility, telecommunications provider, sewerage system operator, or cable operator video service provider, the commission may order the extension by the public utility, telecommunications provider, sewerage system operator, cable operator video service provider, or railroad on, over or under the right-of-way of the other if it will not materially impair the ability of the railroad, telecommunications provider, sewerage system operator, cable operator video service provider, or public utility, on, over or under whose right-of-way the extension would be made, to serve the public. The commission shall prescribe lawful conditions and compensation which the commission deems equitable and reasonable in light of all the circumstances.

AB207, s. 38 Section 38. 196.195 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,36,14 196.195 (5) Commission action. If after the proceedings under subs. (2), (3) and (4) the commission has determined that effective competition exists in the market for the telecommunications service which justifies a lesser degree of regulation and that lesser regulation in that market will serve the public interest, the commission may, by order, suspend any of the following provisions of law, except as provided under subs. (7) and (8): ch. 201 and s. 196.02 (2); s. 196.05; s. 196.06; s. 196.07; s. 196.09; s. 196.10; s. 196.12; s. 196.13 (2); s. 196.19; tariffing requirements under s. 196.194; s. 196.196 (1) or (5); s. 196.20; s. 196.204 (7); s. 196.21; s. 196.22; s. 196.26; s. 196.28; s. 196.37; s. 196.49; s. 196.52; s. 196.58; s. 196.60; s. 196.604; s. 196.77; s. 196.78; s. 196.79; and s. 196.805.

AB207, s. 39 Section 39. 196.203 (1m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,36,19 196.203 (1m) Any person claiming to be a cable television telecommunications service provider under this section shall annually file with the commission any information required by the commission to determine the gross income of the person which is derived from the operation of a cable television system.

AB207, s. 40 Section 40. 196.203 (3) (b) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207,36,25 196.203 (3) (b) (intro.) The commission may not deny a petition filed under par. (a) by a provider of cable television service for alternative telecommunications utility status in a particular geographical area as not being in the public interest if basic local exchange service is provided in the same geographical area by any of the following: