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Senate committee hears testimony on bill clarifying franchise fees for streaming services
Summary
The committee heard competing testimony on whether the state should clarify that municipal franchise fees apply only to entities that physically occupy the public right‑of‑way and not to streaming providers and their customers.
Lede: The Senate Committee on Business & Commerce heard testimony on Senate Bill 9 24, a bill by Sen. Hancock intended to clarify that franchise fees charged by local governments for use of the public right‑of‑way apply to entities that occupy that right‑of‑way and do not extend to video streaming providers and their customers.
Nut graf: Proponents — including DISH and DIRECTV counsel and industry witnesses — said the bill simply restates existing policy so customers of streaming apps are not double‑charged. Opponents — including lawyers for municipalities and several city representatives — argued the bill would change established law, reduce local revenues used for right‑of‑way maintenance, and could be unconstitutional if it were interpreted as granting a public gift or exempting…
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