Amendment ASA1-AB207

AB207-ASA1,22,11 (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-ASA1,22,13 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-ASA1,22,16 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-ASA1,22,19 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-ASA1,22,22 (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-ASA1,22,25 a. Not less than 35 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-ASA1,23,5 b. Not less than 50 percent no later than 5 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-ASA1,23,8 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-ASA1,23,15 (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-ASA1,23,17 1. The video service provider's inability to obtain access to public and private rights-of-way under reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207-ASA1,23,19 2. Developments and buildings that are not subject to competition because of exclusive service arrangements.

AB207-ASA1,23,21 3. Developments and buildings that are not accessible using reasonable technical solutions under commercially reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207-ASA1,23,22 4. Natural disasters.

AB207-ASA1,23,23 5. Other factors beyond the control of the video service provider.

AB207-ASA1,24,3 (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-ASA1,24,6 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-ASA1,24,8 2. Provides access to PEG channels and messages broadcast over the emergency alert system.

AB207-ASA1,24,14 (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-ASA1,24,20 (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-ASA1,25,2 (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-ASA1,25,4 (9m) Local broadcast stations. (a) In this subsection, a "noncable video service provider" means a video service provider that is not a cable operator.

AB207-ASA1,25,10 (b) If a local broadcast station is authorized to exercise against a cable operator the right to require mandatory carriage under 47 USC 534, or the right to grant or withhold retransmission consent under 47 USC 325 (b), the local broadcast station may exercise the same right against a noncable video service provider to the same extent as the local broadcast station may exercise such right against a cable operator under federal law.

AB207-ASA1,25,14 (c) A noncable video service provider shall transmit, without degradation, the signals that a local broadcast station delivers to the noncable video service provider, but is not required to utilize the same or similar reception technology as the local broadcast station or the programming providers of the local broadcast station.

AB207-ASA1,25,15 (d) A noncable video service provider may not do any of the following:

AB207-ASA1,25,18 1. Discriminate among or between local broadcast stations, or programming providers of local broadcast stations, with respect to the transmission of their signals.

AB207-ASA1,25,20 2. Delete, change, or alter a copyright identification transmitted as part of a local broadcast station's signal.

AB207-ASA1,26,4 (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-ASA1,26,15 (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-ASA1,26,18 (13) Rule-making; enforcement. (a) Notwithstanding s. 227.11 and except as provided in sub. (3) (f) 4., the department may not promulgate rules interpreting or establishing procedures for this section.

AB207-ASA1,26,25 (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-ASA1,27,2 (c) Any violation of this section may be enforced by an action on behalf of the state by the department of justice.

AB207-ASA1, s. 9 Section 9. 66.0421 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,27,4 66.0421 (title) Access to cable video service.

AB207-ASA1, s. 10 Section 10. 66.0421 (1) (a) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207-ASA1, s. 11 Section 11. 66.0421 (1) (b) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207-ASA1, s. 12 Section 12. 66.0421 (1) (c) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207-ASA1,27,8 66.0421 (1) (c) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207-ASA1, s. 13 Section 13. 66.0421 (1) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207-ASA1,27,11 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-ASA1, s. 14 Section 14. 66.0421 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,27,20 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-ASA1, s. 15 Section 15. 66.0421 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,28,6 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-ASA1, s. 16 Section 16. 66.0421 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,28,10 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-ASA1, s. 17 Section 17. 66.0422 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,28,13 66.0422 (title) Cable television Video service, telecommunications, and broadband facilities.

AB207-ASA1, s. 18 Section 18. 66.0422 (1) (a) of the statutes is repealed.

AB207-ASA1, s. 19 Section 19. 66.0422 (1) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207-ASA1,28,16 66.0422 (1) (d) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207-ASA1, s. 20 Section 20. 66.0422 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,28,22 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-ASA1, s. 21 Section 21. 66.0422 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,5 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-ASA1, s. 22 Section 22. 66.0422 (3n) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,8 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-ASA1, s. 23 Section 23. 70.111 (25) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,12 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-ASA1, s. 24 Section 24. 76.80 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,18 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-ASA1, s. 25 Section 25. 77.52 (2) (a) 12. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,21 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-ASA1, s. 26 Section 26. 100.195 (1) (c) 2. of the statutes, as created by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,29,24 100.195 (1) (c) 2. Telecommunications services or cable television services.

AB207-ASA1, s. 27 Section 27. 100.195 (1) (h) 1. of the statutes, as created by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is repealed and recreated to read:

AB207-ASA1,30,3 100.195 (1) (h) 1. Video service, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207-ASA1, s. 28 Section 28. 100.209 of the statutes is repealed.

AB207-ASA1, s. 29 Section 29. 165.25 (4) (ar) of the statutes, as affected by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,30,12 165.25 (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-ASA1, s. 30 Section 30. 182.017 (1) of the statutes is renumbered 182.017 (1r) and amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,31,5 182.017 (1r) Right-of-way for. Any domestic corporation organized to furnish telegraph or telecommunications service or transmit heat, power or electric current to the public or for public purposes, an independent system operator, as defined in s. 196.485 (1) (d), an independent transmission owner, as defined in s. 196.485 (1) (dm), or a cooperative association organized under ch. 185 or 193 to furnish telegraph or telecommunications service or a cooperative organized under ch. 185 to transmit heat, power or electric current to its members, company may, subject to ss. 30.44 (3m), 30.45, 86.16, and 196.491 (3) (d) 3m. and to reasonable regulations made by any city, village or town municipality through which its transmission lines or systems may pass, construct and maintain such lines or systems with all necessary appurtenances in, across or beneath any public highway or bridge or any stream or body of water, or upon any lands of any owner consenting thereto, and for such purpose may acquire lands or the necessary easements; and may connect and operate its lines or system with other lines or systems devoted to like business, within or without this state, and charge reasonable rates for the transmission and delivery of messages or the furnishing of heat, power, or electric light.

AB207-ASA1, s. 31 Section 31. 182.017 (1g) of the statutes is created to read:

AB207-ASA1,31,7 182.017 (1g) Definitions. In this section:

AB207-ASA1,31,8 (a) "Commission" means the public service commission.

AB207-ASA1,31,9 (b) "Company" means any of the following:

AB207-ASA1,31,12 1. A domestic corporation organized to furnish telegraph or telecommunications service or transmit heat, power, or electric current to the public or for public purposes.

AB207-ASA1,31,13 2. An independent system operator, as defined in s. 196.485 (1) (d).

AB207-ASA1,31,14 3. An independent transmission owner, as defined in s. 196.485 (1) (dm).

AB207-ASA1,31,16 4. A cooperative association organized under ch. 185 or 193 to furnish telegraph or telecommunications service.

AB207-ASA1,31,18 5. A cooperative association organized under ch. 185 to transmit heat, power, or electric current to its members.

AB207-ASA1,31,19 6. An interim cable operator, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (n).

AB207-ASA1,31,20 7. A video service provider, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (zg).

AB207-ASA1,31,21 (c) "Municipality" means a city, village, or town.

AB207-ASA1, s. 32 Section 32. 182.017 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,32,7 182.017 (3) Abandoned lines removed. The public service commission after a public hearing as provided in s. 196.26, and subject to the right of review as provided in ch. 227, may declare any line to have been abandoned or discontinued, if the facts warrant such finding. Whenever such a finding shall have been made the corporation company shall remove such line, and on failure for 3 months after such finding of abandonment or discontinuance, any person owning land over, through or upon which such line shall pass, may remove the same, or the supervisors of any town within which said lines may be situated, may remove the said lines from the limits of its highways, and such person or supervisors shall be entitled to recover from the company owning the lines the expense for labor involved in removing the property.

AB207-ASA1, s. 33 Section 33. 182.017 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,32,14 182.017 (5) Tree trimming. Any such corporation company which shall in any manner destroy, trim or injure any shade or ornamental trees along any such lines or systems, or, in the course of tree trimming or removal, cause any damage to buildings, fences, crops, livestock or other property, except by the consent of the owner, or after the right so to do has been acquired, shall be liable to the person aggrieved in 3 times the actual damage sustained, besides costs.

AB207-ASA1, s. 34 Section 34. 182.017 (6) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-ASA1,32,19 182.017 (6) Municipal franchise required. No lighting or heating corporation or lighting or heating cooperative association shall have any right hereunder in any city, village or town municipality until it has obtained a franchise or written consent for the erection or installation of its lines from such city, village or town municipality.