Telecom Legislation of Interest

Two bills of particular interest to the cable industry during the 2011 Texas Legislative Session:

SB 1087 (Carona): Helps equalize video provider treatment in Texas.
Under current law, some video providers operate under different rules than others. This legislation addresses a number of areas to create a more level playing field for video providers in the state.

Outcome: SB 1087 was passed and signed by the Governor. Learn more.

HB 259 (By Eiland): Bill ends a loophole that artificially benefits satellite providers to detriment of cable customers.
Texas’ cable TV subscribers pay more than double the fees and taxes on their service that satellite subscribers pay – meaning more than 4 million Texans are being unfairly taxed. Because the viewing is the same, there is no justification for how the two services  are treated differently in terms of tax policy.  More.

Outcome: Legislation did not pass.