Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecom Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate Amends Video-Services Bill to Remove 10% Local Advertising Set‑Aside, Passes SB209
Summary
Senate passes SB209, establishing a state franchising mechanism for video services intended to increase competition; floor amendment deleting a 10% local-advertising set-aside for competitors was adopted before final passage (24-0).
The Utah Senate on Feb. 22 amended and passed Senate Bill 209, a measure to create a state franchising framework for video/cable services intended to promote competition and reduce municipal barriers to entry.
Senator Bramble, sponsor of SB209, offered a floor amendment to remove lines 255–257, which would have required incumbent cable providers to reserve 10% of locally owned advertising space for competitors. Bramble said the change preserves a prohibition on incumbents refusing advertising to competing providers while eliminating a rigid 10% quota that he argued could be counterproductive.
Senator Knudson questioned whether removing the 10% set-aside actually increased competition; Bramble explained the broader bill prevents incumbents from refusing advertising requests while allowing market-driven arrangements rather than a mandated percentage.
The amendment to delete lines 255–257 was placed and adopted on the floor. After limited debate endorsing the broader competition goals, the Senate voted for final passage: SB209 passed the Senate (24 yes, 0 nay, 5 absent) and was referred to the House for further action.
Supporters described SB209 as a state-level alternative to municipal franchise requirements that, they said, will encourage new providers and lower prices through competition. The bill also drew references to national examples where competition reduced costs and increased subscriptions.
Provenance: Floor amendment introduction and debate (SEG 549–633) and final passage (SEG 652–689).
