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 308 Original 2024 Regular Session Adams
Abstract: Prohibits the discontinuation of cable service without prior notice.
Present law provides that the secretary of state shall issue a certificate authorizing an applicant to
offer cable service or video service.
Present law provides that the certificate issued pursuant to present law may be terminated by the
cable service provider or video service provider by submitting written notice of the termination to
the secretary of state.
Proposed law adds that a cable service provider or video service provider shall notify its customers
of the end of service at least 30 days before termination of the certificate is effective. The service
provider shall notify its customers of the end of service in writing and through announcements on
the cable system.
Present law states that any incumbent service provider shall have the option to terminate an existing
franchise previously issued by a local governmental subdivision and may instead offer cable service
or video service in such local governmental subdivision under a certificate of state franchise issued
by the secretary of state in accordance with the provisions of present law and proposed law, provided
that all requirements are satisfied by any such incumbent service provider.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that an incumbent service provider exercising its termination option shall file
a statement of termination with the secretary of state in the form of an affidavit containing the
information required by present law and submit copies of such filing with any affected local
governmental subdivision. Termination of existing franchises is effective immediately upon the
effective date of the certificate of state franchise issued by the secretary of state.
Proposed law adds that if there may be a disruption of service, a cable service provider or video
service provider shall notify its customers at least 30 days before termination of the certificate is
effective. The service provider shall notify its customers of a possible disruption in writing and
through announcements on the cable system.
(Amends R.S. 45:1364(E) and 1365(B)(1))