AB207: Bill Text Engrossed

AB207-engrossed,23,22 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 4 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-engrossed,24,4 (em) PEG channel monetary support. 1. This subdivision applies to an incumbent cable operator whose cable franchise is terminated under sub. (3) (b) 2. b. The obligation that is actually imposed by a municipality prior to April 18, 2007, on such an incumbent cable operator to provide monetary support for access facilities for PEG channels and that is contained in a cable franchise existing on the effective date of this subdivision .... [revisor inserts date], shall continue until the earlier of the following:

AB207-engrossed,24,6 a. The first day of the 36th month beginning after the effective date of this subd. 1. a. .... [revisor inserts date].

AB207-engrossed,24,8 b. The date on which the cable franchise would have expired if the cable franchise had not terminated under sub. (3) (b) 2. b.

AB207-engrossed,24,12 2. The duty of an interim cable operator to provide monetary support for access facilities for PEG channels that is contained in a cable franchise existing on the effective date of this subdivision .... [revisor inserts date], shall continue until the cable franchise expires.

AB207-engrossed,24,25 3. Each video service provider providing video service in a municipality shall have the same obligation to provide monetary support for access facilities for PEG channels as the incumbent cable operator with the most subscribers in the municipality as of the effective date of this subdivision .... [revisor inserts date]. To the extent that such incumbent cable operator provides such support in the form of a percentage of gross revenues or a per subscriber fee, any other video service provider shall pay the same percentage of gross revenues or per subscriber fee to the municipality as the incumbent cable operator. To the extent that such incumbent cable operator provides such support in the form of a lump sum payment without an offset to its franchise fee or video service provider fee, any other video service provider that commences service in the municipality shall pay the municipality a sum equal to the pro rata amount of such lump sum payment based on its proportion of video service customers in such municipality.

AB207-engrossed,25,4 4. For purposes of this paragraph, the proportion of video service customers of a video service provider shall be determined based on the relative number of subscribers as of the end of the prior calendar year as reported by all incumbent cable operators and holders of video service authorizations.

AB207-engrossed,25,8 (f) Itemization. A video service provider may identify and collect the amount related to a video service provider fee and any fee imposed for monetary support for access facilities for PEG channels as described in par. (em) as a separate line item on customer bills.

AB207-engrossed,25,14 (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, except as provided in a regulation under s. 182.017 (1r), any permit fee, encroachment fee, degradation fee, or any other fee, for the occupation of or work within public rights-of-way.

AB207-engrossed,25,16 (8) Discrimination; access to services. (ag) Definition. In this subsection, "department" means the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

AB207-engrossed,25,20 (am) 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-engrossed,25,22 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-engrossed,25,25 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-engrossed,26,3 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-engrossed,26,6 (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-engrossed,26,9 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-engrossed,26,14 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-engrossed,26,17 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-engrossed,26,24 (c) Extensions and waivers. A video service provider may apply to the department for an extension of any time limit specified in par. (am) 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-engrossed,27,2 1. The video service provider's inability to obtain access to public and private rights-of-way under reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207-engrossed,27,4 2. Developments and buildings that are not subject to competition because of exclusive service arrangements.

AB207-engrossed,27,6 3. Developments and buildings that are not accessible using reasonable technical solutions under commercially reasonable terms and conditions.

AB207-engrossed,27,7 4. Natural disasters.

AB207-engrossed,27,8 5. Other factors beyond the control of the video service provider.

AB207-engrossed,27,11 (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-engrossed,27,14 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-engrossed,27,16 2. Provides access to PEG channels and messages broadcast over the emergency alert system.

AB207-engrossed,27,22 (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-engrossed,28,3 (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-engrossed,28,10 (b) Except as provided in s. 100.209, 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-engrossed,28,12 (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-engrossed,28,18 (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-engrossed,28,22 (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-engrossed,28,23 (d) A noncable video service provider may not do any of the following:

AB207-engrossed,29,3 1. Discriminate among or between local broadcast stations, or programming providers of local broadcast stations, with respect to the transmission of their signals.

AB207-engrossed,29,5 2. Delete, change, or alter a copyright identification transmitted as part of a local broadcast station's signal.

AB207-engrossed,29,14 (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-engrossed,29,22 (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 15 days after the transfer is complete, the successor-in-interest shall apply for a video service franchise under sub. (3) (d) and comply with sub. (3) (e) 1. The successor-in-interest may provide video service in the video franchise area during the period that the department reviews the application.

AB207-engrossed,30,2 (13) Rule-making; enforcement. (a) Notwithstanding s. 227.11 and except as provided in sub. (3) (f) 4., the department of financial institutions may not promulgate rules interpreting or establishing procedures for this section and the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection may not promulgate rules interpreting or establishing procedures for sub. (8).

AB207-engrossed,30,9 (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-engrossed,30,14 (c) The department shall enforce this section, except sub. (8). The department may bring an action to recover any fees that are due and owing under this section or to enjoin a violation of this section, except sub. (8), or any rule promulgated under sub. (3) (f) 4. An action shall be commenced under this paragraph within 3 years after the occurrence of the unlawful act or practice or be barred.

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

AB207-engrossed,30,16 66.0421 (title) Access to cable video service.

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

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

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

AB207-engrossed,30,20 66.0421 (1) (c) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

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

AB207-engrossed,30,23 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-engrossed, s. 14 Section 14. 66.0421 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,31,8 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-engrossed, s. 15 Section 15. 66.0421 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,31,19 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-engrossed, s. 16 Section 16. 66.0421 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,31,23 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-engrossed, s. 17 Section 17. 66.0422 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,32,2 66.0422 (title) Cable television Video service, telecommunications, and broadband facilities.

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

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

AB207-engrossed,32,5 66.0422 (1) (d) "Video service" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

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

AB207-engrossed,32,11 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-engrossed, s. 21 Section 21. 66.0422 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,32,19 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-engrossed, s. 22 Section 22. 66.0422 (3n) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,32,22 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-engrossed, s. 23 Section 23. 70.111 (25) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,33,3 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-engrossed, s. 24 Section 24. 76.80 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,33,9 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-engrossed, s. 25 Section 25. 77.52 (2) (a) 12. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,33,12 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-engrossed, s. 26 Section 26. 100.195 (1) (c) 2. of the statutes, as created by 2005 Wisconsin Act 458, is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,33,15 100.195 (1) (c) 2. Telecommunications services or cable television services.

AB207-engrossed, 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-engrossed,33,18 100.195 (1) (h) 1. Video service, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (y).

AB207-engrossed, s. 27d Section 27d. 100.209 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,33,21 100.209 (title) Cable television Video programming service subscriber rights.

AB207-engrossed, s. 27h Section 27h. 100.209 (1) (a) and (b) of the statutes are repealed.

AB207-engrossed, s. 27k Section 27k. 100.209 (1) (c) and (d) of the statutes are created to read:

AB207-engrossed,34,3 100.209 (1) (c) "Multichannel video provider" means an interim cable operator, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (n), video service provider, as defined in s. 66.0420 (2) (zg), or multichannel video programming distributor, as defined in 47 USC 522 (13).

AB207-engrossed,34,4 (d) "Video programming" has the meaning given in s. 66.0420 (2) (x).

AB207-engrossed, s. 27p Section 27p. 100.209 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB207-engrossed,34,9 100.209 (2) Rights. (a) A cable operator multichannel video provider shall repair cable video programming service within 72 hours after a subscriber reports a service interruption or requests the repair if the service interruption is not the result of a natural disaster.

AB207-engrossed,34,14 (b) Upon notification by a subscriber of a service interruption, a cable operator multichannel video provider shall give the subscriber a credit for one day of cable video programming service if cable video programming service is interrupted for more than 4 hours in one day and the interruption is caused by the cable operator multichannel video provider.

AB207-engrossed,34,19 (bm) Upon notification by a subscriber of a service interruption, a cable operator multichannel video provider shall give the subscriber a credit for each hour that cable video programming service is interrupted if cable video programming service is interrupted for more than 4 24 hours in one day and the interruption is not caused by the cable operator multichannel video provider.

AB207-engrossed,34,25 (c) A cable operator multichannel video provider shall give a subscriber at least 30 days' advance written notice before deleting a program service from its cable video programming service. A cable operator multichannel video provider is not required to give the notice under this paragraph if the cable operator multichannel video provider makes a channel change because of circumstances beyond the control of the cable operator multichannel video provider.

AB207-engrossed,35,2 (d) A cable operator multichannel video provider shall give a subscriber at least 30 days' advance written notice before instituting a rate increase.

AB207-engrossed,35,5 (e) 1. A cable operator multichannel video provider may not disconnect a subscriber's cable video programming service, or a portion of that service, for failure to pay a bill until the unpaid bill is at least 45 days past due.