Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF577

Introduced
3/2/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to baseball broadcasting blackouts.

Impact

The implementation of HF577 would alter how sports broadcasting operates in Iowa, effectively impacting the contractual arrangements between MLB and local broadcasting entities. This bill is significant as it could enable Iowa residents to have broader access to live sporting events, particularly MLB games, enhancing their viewing options and consumer rights. It signals a shift in the legislative climate towards protecting the interests of sports fans and promoting fair access to entertainment content.

Summary

House File 577 is legislation aimed at prohibiting baseball broadcasting blackouts within the state of Iowa. The bill defines 'blackout' as the non-airing of a cable, video, or satellite sporting event that is broadcast on a local television station. It also defines 'sports broadcasting entity' to include specific internet-based streaming platforms and cable service providers operating in Iowa. The primary intention of the bill is to ensure that paying customers of these sports broadcasting entities can access Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasts without interruption from blackouts.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention regarding its implications for broadcasting rights and existing agreements between media companies and sports leagues. Opponents might argue that preventing blackouts could undermine the financial agreements relied upon by local broadcasters, potentially influencing advertising revenues and funding for sports teams. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how this bill aligns with broader broadcasting laws and regulations, particularly in how it interacts with national agreements that govern MLB's broadcasting strategies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2656

A bill for an act relating to professional sporting league broadcasting blackouts.

IA HF250

A bill for an act relating to the application for a certificate of franchise authority applicable to the provision of video services and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 34.) Effective date: 04/28/2023.

IA HB632

Provides the method of calculating taxable income derived from broadcasting film and radio programming which is attributable to activity in La. (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

IA SF130

A bill for an act relating to the application for a certificate of franchise authority applicable to the provision of video services and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1019.)

IA HF712

A bill for an act relating to social media data collection regarding children under eighteen years of age, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 526.)

IA SSB1019

A bill for an act relating to the application for a certificate of franchise authority applicable to the provision of video services and including effective date provisions.(See SF 130.)

IA HSB34

A bill for an act relating to the application for a certificate of franchise authority applicable to the provision of video services and including effective date provisions.(See HF 250.)

IA HF2499

A bill for an act relating to the publication of synthetic media concerning an election, and providing penalties.

IA SF2318

A bill for an act relating to the publication of synthetic media concerning an election, and providing penalties.

IA HB316

An Act To Amend Title 15 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Deep Fakes In Elections.

Similar Bills

CA AB2231

Public Broadcasting Act of 1975: emergency broadcasting grant program.

KS SB13

Permitting certain local broadcasters to provide broadcast services of a school's postseason activities notwithstanding if the state high school activities association enters into an exclusive broadcast agreement for postseason activities.

KS HB2138

Senate Substitute for HB 2138 by Committee on Education - Requiring school districts to provide separate accommodations for students of each biological sex on overnight school district sponsored trips, requiring contracts for exclusive broadcasts of state high school activities association activities to permit certain local broadcasts and providing for administrative review of resolutions to permanently close a school building of a school district.

TX HB4375

Relating to broadcast coverage agreements for postseason activity of students representing a University Interscholastic League member school.

TX SB2511

Relating to broadcast coverage agreements for postseason activity of students representing a University Interscholastic League member school.

LA HB103

Requires certain public bodies to broadcast meetings live via television or the internet (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)

LA HB224

Prohibits installers of satellite television from taking certain actions in installing satellites on leased premises

LA HB21

Provides for the broadcast and recordation of meetings of the Board of Ethics