DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 276 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Bishop
Abstract: Exempts certain video programming, including streaming services, from the definition
of "video service" and "cable service" for purposes of franchise fees.
Present law defines "cable service" as the one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming
or other programming service and any subscriber interaction required for the selection or use of
video programming or other programming service. Present law exempts video programming
provided by a commercial mobile service provider from the definition of "cable service".
Proposed law retains the exemption for video programming provided by a commercial service
provider from the definition of "cable service" but expands the exemption to include video
programming accessed via a service that enables users to access content, information, e-mail, or
other services offered over the internet, including streaming content.
Present law defines "video service" as video programming services provided through wireline
facilities located at least in part in the public rights of way without regard to delivery technology,
including internet protocol technology. Present law exempts video programming by a commercial
mobile service provider or video programming provided as part of a service enabling users to access
information over the internet from the definition of "video service".
Proposed law retains present law but expands the exemption from the definition of "video service"
to include streaming content.
(Amends R.S. 45:1363(intro. para.), (1), and (14))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Ways and Means to the original
bill:
1. Delete provisions in proposed law authorizing the secretary of state to audit, file suit, and
resolve disputes relating to franchise fee payments.
2. Exclude video programming accessed via a service that enables users to access content,
information, e-mail, or other services offered over the internet, including streaming
content from the definition of "cable service". 3. Exclude streaming content from the definition of "video service".