H.R.3805 - Protecting Community Television Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3805, the "Protecting Community Television Act," aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 by modifying the definition of "franchise fee." The bill seeks to clarify that the term "franchise fee" specifically means rather than includes certain assessments. It also inserts "other monetary" before "assessment" in the definition. This adjustment intends to provide greater clarity regarding what constitutes a franchise fee for cable operators.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to narrow the scope of what can be considered a franchise fee. This could potentially reduce the financial burden on cable operators. It may also impact the revenue streams of local governments that rely on these fees.
Potential Benefits
- Clarity for Cable Operators: Provides a more precise definition of franchise fees, reducing ambiguity.
- Potential Cost Savings: Could lead to reduced costs for cable operators if certain assessments are no longer classified as franchise fees.
- Investment in Infrastructure: Cable operators may be able to invest more in infrastructure improvements with potential cost savings.
- Reduced Consumer Costs: Potential savings for cable operators could translate to lower costs for consumers, although this is not guaranteed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Local Government Revenue: Local governments may experience a decrease in revenue if the definition of franchise fee is narrowed.
- Impact on Community Television: The "Protecting Community Television Act" could have unintended consequences if it reduces funding for community television stations.
- Potential for Legal Challenges: The revised definition could lead to legal challenges from local governments seeking to maintain their revenue streams.
- Uncertainty for Consumers: It is unclear whether any cost savings for cable operators will actually be passed on to consumers.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general principles of federalism, as it involves the regulation of commerce, which is a power granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and local franchise agreements are often a matter of state and local law. The modification of the definition of "franchise fee" could potentially impinge upon the revenue-raising abilities of local governments, raising questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The bill itself does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision, but its implementation and effects could raise federalism concerns.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).